By By Dan Hounsell

Healthcare facilities managers sifting through the fallout from COVID-19’s impact have had to revisit almost every aspect of their operations. Though probably not at the top of the priority list for many managers, security is becoming increasingly important for managers trying to more effectively control and protect their facilities.

From employees working remotely to staff illnesses to personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages to security threats, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on hospitals.

Recently, Ray Gerwitz, executive director and deputy chief security officer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, described the way his organization was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Campus Safety.

MD Anderson and Gerwit’s security department improved the hospital’s response to the pandemic with access control, visitor management and video surveillance technology.

One approach to access control was MD Anderson’s creation of a so-called moat between clinical and academic areas of campus. The hospital also secured the supply chain and storage of PPE.