Governor JB Pritzker issued a statewide stay-at-home order for Illinois residents on Friday, March 20, which currently extends until Tuesday, April 7. In compliance with this executive order aimed at helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, the university has decided to suspend construction activities for certain capital improvement, small construction, and energy conservation projects. This directive is in accordance with the general conditions of the University of Illinois Systems’ standard capital construction contract, Section 20, which outlines the parameters for a project suspension initiated by the university for reasons outside of its control.
For continuing projects during this period, contractors are directed to strictly adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) instructions and implement additional measures to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in the project. Construction Progress-Owner/Architect/Contractors meetings will be hosted remotely via teleconference.
Capital projects that are in the design phase will continue to progress, given that all activities between Professional Services Consultants and F&S staff are conducted remotely.
Building Maintenance Updates
Effective March 23 through April 7, at a minimum of twice per week, a Steam Distribution Operator, along with two trade personnel, will be responsible for completing and recording building walkthroughs for each State-supported campus building. During each walkthrough the team will complete the following tasks:
- Check and walk all floors
- Run all drinking fountains
- Enter all restrooms to flush toilets and run all sinks
- Check all mechanical rooms to make sure fans are running.
The Water Station will also begin flushing hydrants on campus to keep an active flow through campus water mains. When there is low or zero occupancy in buildings that are generally occupied, issues and concerns may arise surrounding water age in building water systems. Under low occupancy conditions, domestic water entering a facility will stay in the building water system much longer than usual when fixtures such as faucets, showers, hose bibs, ice machines, washers, and devices are less frequently used.
For departmental/auxiliary buildings it is recommended that building contacts flush all hot and cold-water fixtures, showers, faucets, and eyewash stations at least weekly. Flushing time at each fixture should be over two minutes at low flow, at both hot and cold outlets. Please document the flushing schedule with log sheets for your own personal records.
As the response to this public health crisis progresses, any updates and additional information regarding work adjustments will be provided as necessary. More university-related COVID-19 specifics can be found at covid19.illinois.edu and previous communications related to COVID-19 are at https://www.fs.illinois.edu/resources/covid-response.
.