Published on

Reopening After the Coronavirus Shutdown: 6 Ways We Are Keeping Buildings and Tenants Safe

After a long period of restrictions due to the novel coronavirus, Governor Andrew Cuomo is planning a careful tiered reopening of New York. What will business reopening after the coronavirus shutdown mean for your business if you’re a commercial landlord or property manager? Safety will be a premium, but that’s often easier said than done.

We, at the Omnia Mechanical Group, are committed to providing the safest work environment possible for our clients. As well as offering suggestions here, we are practicing safe essential service every day by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and adhering to government recommendations that keep tenants safe. Here is a list of the steps we are taking in conjunction with our customers: 

1. Establish a Safe Plan

One of the trickiest places to control safely is common areas. These areas typically a place that sees more traffic, whether from building tenants or from outsiders, like delivery people or customers. Some common areas also risk squeezing too many people into a small space, like in break rooms or elevators.

• How many people will be allowed in the elevator at one time?
• Will people need to queue to enter the building or any lobby areas?
• What is the plan to clean common areas, and how often will they need to be disinfected?
• If outside services perform cleaning or plant watering, for example, how will they work within your social distancing framework?
• Will outsiders (non-tenants) be allowed in the building, and if so, will their numbers be limited, counted, and monitored? Will you need a sign-in sheet?
• How will mask-wearing be enforced?
• Will there be any temperature-taking or testing protocols?
• Which building management staff need to be trained in all of the above?

2. Advanced Communication with Tenants

Throughout the PAUSE period, we have been speaking with our customers and the affected tenants first: understanding their fears or concerns, and let them what to expect when a technician arrives. We want to be in the loop with any new building rules, so there are no misunderstandings about expectations between our staff, the building staff and tenants in their space.

3. Post Appropriate Signage

Another critical part of the new communication process is signage. Posted building rules help reinforce policies like maintaining distance and mask-wearing, especially to remind non-tenants entering the building.

4. Conduct Essential Maintenance Before Full Reopening

Before buildings are fully opened, we recommend taking care of any maintenance issues: like boiler, electrical, pump, or plumbing repairs, so there are fewer people in and out on a given day.

5. Ensure Proper Safety Precautions with Vendors

Before any outside workers are allowed in the building to perform maintenance or repairs, please talk with them to make sure that they are using appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment, such as masks) and that they understand your social distancing policies. 

6. Stay Informed

As New York begins to reopen, Omnia Mechanical Group is steadily monitoring federal, state, and city guidelines and completing ongoing training to stay compliant with coronavirus safety requirements. The safety of your buildings and your tenants are our primary focus.

We are here to help you through this challenging time. As an essential service, the companies of the Omnia Mechanical Group remain fully staffed to serve you safely 24/7 with all your plumbing, boiler electrical and pump needs.