The Office Elevator In COVID-19 Times: Experts Weigh In On Safer Ups And Downs

The Office Elevator In COVID-19 Times: Experts Weigh In On Safer Ups And Downs Enlarge this image toggle caption Craig F. Walker/Boston Globe via Getty Images Craig F. Walker/Boston Globe via Getty Images When the American Medical Association moved its headquarters to a famous Chicago skyscraper in 2013, the floor-to-ceiling views from the 47th-floor conference space were a spectacular selling point. "When there is risk of disease spreading from human to human, continuing to maintain a clean and safe vertical transportation system is critical to help people return to work and safe living," says Jon Clarine, head of digital services at Thyssenkrupp Elevator. Karen Penafiel, executive director for the National Elevator Industry Inc. trade association, also recommends that people face the elevator walls and not talk — to minimize spread of respiratory droplets that could carry the coronavirus. Sponsor Message "That's where you're going to get the queuing," says Chris Smith, vice president of marketing and product strategy for elevator manufacturer Otis Elevator Co., optimistically using a word suggesting orderly standing in line.