The International Code Council (ICC) and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) have established a new task force on pandemics. Recognizing the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on new and existing buildings and construction, this task force will develop resources to help prepare buildings and communities for disease-related threats.

The task force will analyze all aspects of the built environment to find solutions that reduce the risks posed by pandemics. It will complete a comprehensive review of current code requirements, existing guides, executive orders, regulations, white papers, reports and standards, related to design, preparedness, and health considerations for building construction, operation and pandemics. Then, the group will identify best practices and guides to address the design and layout of new and existing buildings and establish a comprehensive package of public information materials.

"The coronavirus pandemic has underscored that safe buildings are essential to maintaining public health," said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. "A community's ability to defend against such disasters as pandemics depends on the safety of the homes, buildings and infrastructure that serve its citizens. We are extremely proud to collaborate with NEHA on this pandemic task force."

"The built environment is a central feature of modern life," said Dr. David Dyjack, CEO of the National Environmental Health Association. "Our unique partnership with ICC is one characterized by a common mission, information sharing, and aligned leadership, which in aggregate will serve to reduce risk associated with the pandemic, while we collaborate on methods to safely rebuild the economy".

The task force will consist of a broad cross section of building, code, design, insurance, plumbing and public health environmental experts appointed by the Code Council Board of Directors. In addition to the creation of the task force, several work groups made of task force member and other interested parties will be established.

For more information, visit www.iccsafe.org/pandemics-task-force.