COVID-19: CDC Issues New Guidance For Office Buildings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance on Wednesday describing how office buildings can reopen safely as states ease restrictions on non-essential businesses. The new voluntary recommendations, which build on prior CDC guidance discussed in a previous WilmerHale alert available here, emphasize that employers should create a COVID-19 workplace health and safety plan that is clearly communicated to all staff and visitors.

Per the guidance, office building employers should ensure, prior to reopening, that the building is ready for occupancy after months of inactivity. This includes confirming that the ventilation system is working properly, opening windows and doors to increase circulation of outdoor air if possible and safe to do so, and checking for dangers associated with a prolonged facility shut-down, such as mold growth or stagnant water.