The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has created an assessment tool which aims to evaluate buildings which could contain possible hospital bed space to aid those suffering with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Covid-19 Alternate Care Sites Assessment Tool contains a list to evaluate potential care sites for those who do not have a healthcare design background.
Buildings considered for retrofitting could include convention centres, sports arenas, community centres, hotels and dormitories, according to the AIA.
Dr. Molly Scanlon, an environmental health scientist, said: "This tool is geared toward flexible and rapid decision making during a public health pandemic.
"Our goal was to synthesise decades of healthcare knowledge and experience into a checklist reflecting the key essential elements of healthcare operations to reduce risk and increase safety at an alternative care site."
Kirsten Waltz, the AIA’s healthy president, said: "This is a race against time for healthcare facilities to meet bed surge capacity needs."
The project is one of a number from the AIA’s "task force", which is offering support during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Download the AIA’s COVID-19 Alternate Care Sites Assessment Tool here.
Image: Inside the first 1,000-Bed temporary hospital at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City (Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)
