April 2020
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Special Report: COVID-19 AEC Firms and Organizations Address the Coronavirus Crisis, Seek New Ways to Stay Connected by Emily Langner On March 11, the World Health Organization officially characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. The coronavirus was identified in all 50 U.S. states by mid-March, sending a number of cities all over the country into mandatory lockdowns. After nationwide shortages of essential Personal Protection Equipment were reported, members of the New England architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) community immediately stepped up, issuing calls to donate much-needed supplies, including N95 masks, gloves, and gowns, to hospitals and medical facilities throughout the region. On March 16, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh was the first mayor of a major city to order a construction shut-down in response to the crisis, with exceptions for work that is essential to the safety and wellbeing of the city’s residents. Cambridge soon followed. Within days, Massachusetts
For all up-to-date news on how COVID-19 is affecting our industry, visit www.high-profile.com/category/covid-19/ — Visit HP’s “AEC COVID-19 Resource Page” to connect with a variety of industry organizations’ resource pages. www.high-profile.com/covid-19-resources/
Governor Charlie Baker and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issued orders requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public. Non-essential employees were urged to remain home and work remotely,
and AEC organizations throughout New England cancelled all upcoming industry events. Both Massachusetts and Connecticut deemed construction an Essential Business or Service, while Mayor Walsh doubled down on his order to halt construction in the city of Boston. As HP went to press on April’s issue, other New England states waited for official announcements with clarification on whether construction would be considered an essential business amid the crisis.
In the last several weeks, AEC organizations and businesses have modified plans, quickly changing inperson events to webinars or virtual events, and providing resources for industry professionals to stay informed, educated, and connected. Continue to page 10 to read about how AEC member organizations are continuing to serve their members and keep people connected during this uncertain time. continued to page 10
MISSION CRITICAL: CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE Ready to Respond to Greater Boston’s Critical Security & IT Needs
The health, safety and well-being of the LAN-TEL Communications team, our clients, and the communities in which we serve and live is our most important consideration today during the COVID-19 crisis, and always. As we respond to the ever-changing circumstances related to the coronavirus, we will take all steps necessary to reduce pressure on our healthcare professionals and our local communities, while at the same time, to help ensure that our region’s critical facilities that serve the public remain secure.
Responding to Emergent Needs of Cities and Towns throughout the Crisis Throughout the COVID-19 crisis in Massachusetts, LAN-TEL is responding to calls by city and town officials and facility managers throughout eastern Massachusetts to provide enhanced emergency security systems and IT systems and infrastructure cabling.
Emergency Security & IT System Solutions for Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Police & Fire Departments, Educational Facilities and Public Safety LAN-TEL’s has crews of the region’s most experienced IBEW Local 103 technicians providing vital security system and IT system solutions to support our critical facilities and help ensure public safety throughout Greater Boston and the region during the pandemic.
Among the dozens of emergency security system solutions currently being engineering and installed at sites throughout the region are: • Quick Deploy Cameras; • IP Video Cameras; • Thermal Cameras for Elevated Body Temperature Screening; • Pinpoint Duress Systems; • Remote Monitoring Access Solutions; • Mass Notification Systems for Emergency Communications LAN-TEL also has security system solutions for COVID-19 screening, triage and testing sites. LAN-TEL will do whatever is necessary and within our power to keep our communities, clients, partners, and the public secure. Please contact CRITICALRESPONSE@LAN-TEL.com with any emergent needs or questions.
LAN-TEL Communications, Inc. (800) 551-8667 • (781) 551-8667 • CRITICALRESPONSE@LAN-TEL.com • lan-tel.com www.high-profile.com
