COVID-19 Prevention: Campus Facilities

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, UB University Facilities has continually monitored guidance from the CDC, NYS Department of Health and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professional associations, and made recommended adjustments to campus HVAC where feasible to ensure optimal indoor air quality. These adjustments include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Upgrading filters
• Increasing the amount of supplied outside air
• Eextending the run times of occupied building settings
• Balancing temperature, static air pressure, and humidity conditions 

For individuals who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, getting vaccinated remains the most effective method of preventing COVID-19.  

• Any suspected outages should be reported to University Facilities customer service (645-2025)

While it is recognized that attention to operation of HVAC systems and targeted improvements can further decrease the risk of transmission within campus buildings, there are many unknowns regarding the risk of COVID-19 transmission from indoor ventilation. The scientific community and HVAC professionals continue to evaluate data and evidence regarding this issue.

Current guidelines from CDC and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) advise against adjusting air filtration to the point where it diminishes designed airflows for the space.

Cleaning and disinfecting of most public spaces at UB is the responsibility of University Facilities’ custodial team. In general, UB has returned to pre-COVID daily cleaning and disinfecting practices. The CDC advises that unless a space has been exposed by a COVID-positive individual, cleaning once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove virus that may be on surfaces and help maintain a healthy facility. In the event that an individual is confirmed to have COVID-19 or other virus warranting special attention, UB will follow CDC guidelines in cleaning and disinfecting the exposed areas. Requests for more extensive cleaning should be directed to University Facilities’ customer service.

Proper handwashing is always a preferred method for infection control. When that is not possible, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. UB continues to provide hand hygiene stations and supplies within workplaces for individuals to use; specifically, hand washing, such as soap, running water or disposable towels or hand sanitizing, such as alcohol-based sanitizer with 60 percent or more alcohol where hand washing may not be available or practical.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, UB has posted directional and health promotion signage around campus, to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The campus community can expect this signage to change and some to be removed as the pandemic runs its course.