We’re in this together - by Hani Salama

COVID-19 is a global pandemic with an everchanging set of rules. Our primary goal is your safety and we want to ensure that the message to all New Yorkers is clear and consistent. We must be on the same page to stop coronavirus in its tracks. 

BOMA New York is working in close partnership with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, as well as with state and federal agencies to assess the ongoing situation. Please regularly visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov to obtain up to date information, resources and directives.

As we continue to focus on the health of our respective families, it’s imperative to take common sense steps to reduce the exposure of the virus. This includes responsible social distancing and proper hygiene habits. As it relates to the commercial built environment, BOMA International and the CDC arranged a five-point Preparedness Checklist to assist building owners and managers best manage the ongoing situation (PDF available online):

1. Establish a process to communicate with tenants and staff, on- and off-site.
2. Plan for business continuity.
3. Prepare an assortment of supplies to have on-hand.
4. Engage best practices for cleaning during an outbreak.
5. Be aware of travel alerts and warnings.

As a result of the pandemic, BOMA New York has shifted its event calendar. We transitioned all in-person Committee Meetings to conference calls and suspended scheduled programs, including Lunch & Learns, Building Tours and the like. We are actively working on delivering digital programming and will have information about webinars shortly.

BOMA NY wishes everyone well. If you have COVID-19 related questions, please email Daniel Avery, Director of Legislative Affairs at [email protected]. If we don’t have the answer, we will forward to the city’s experts and get back to you.

Hani Salama, P.E., LEED AP is with Capital Properties, and is BOMA NY chair & CEO, New York, N.Y.