INDUSTRY NEWS Bahnfleth: As described in the guidance for reopening buildings at ashrae.org/covid19, a first, critically important, task is to evaluate the condition of systems to determine whether they are functioning as designed. Deficiencies should be addressed, and then epidemic response operating modes and system upgrades can be implemented. To do this properly requires a team that includes the owner; facility staff; commissioning provider; testing, adjusting and balancing company; building automation system company and design engineer and architect. Although the focus of ASHRAE's guidance is on aerosol/airborne transmission reduction by modifying HVAC system operations, plumbing systems are often within the purview of the same professionals. Water systems that have been idle for extended periods of time may pose a risk of waterborne infection by Legionella and other pathogens that can grow in stagnant water in which water treatment effectiveness has dissipated. So, it is also important to flush and verify the safety of domestic water systems. What are the most frequent questions emailed to the task force's email (covid-19@ashrae.org)? Bahnfleth: Nearly 500 questions have been received to date. The single-most common category of question is air cleaners. Professionals and the public have many questions about the effectiveness of air cleaners that are being promoted during the pandemic: Do they work? How should they be applied? There have also been many questions from health-care providers who do not practice in hospitals and clinics, such as dentists and optometrists. A significant number of questions have also been from members of the public who want to know whether they are at risk in their houses or apartments and what measures they should take to increase their safety. Most people don't know very much about their systems, so there has been a great opportunity to educate them. Some of these truly frequently asked questions have been turned into items in the FAQ section of ashrae. org/covid19. J U LY 2 0 2 0 ashrae.org ASHRAE JOURNAL 7http://www.ashrae.org/covid19 http://www.ashrae.org/covid19 http://www.ashrae.org/covid19 http://www.parkerboiler.com http://www.shortridge.com http://ashrae.org