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American Institute of Architects creates tool to assess Covid-19 alternate care sites

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)

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