COVID-19 social distancing and the stay at home policies can be a challenge for those living or working in multi-family residential properties.
Nova Scotia Public Health Self Isolation Protocols
The Nova Scotia department of public health has come out with some specific guidelines for tenants, and those who work with tenants.
Nova Scotia public health – Information on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as it relates to multiunit residential buildings. The situation with the virus continues to evolve rapidly. Multi-residential buildings present unique challenges, but there are actions you can take to keep staff and residents healthy while preventing the spread of COVID-19. It is also important to keep your residents informed as the situation evolves.
The information provided on March 10, 2020 should still be implemented:
• Increased frequency of cleaning/disinfecting common spaces and high touch surfaces (elevator buttons, door handles, stairwell railings, etc.)
• Post hand washing signs throughout the building and provide hand sanitizer for staff and residents in common areas.
The following are recommendations and requirements for building residents: All residents Nova Scotians are advised to stay home. They can go out for essential items (i.e. to pick up food or prescriptions) and to get exercise by going for a walk around their neighbourhood. If they must leave their home, they must maintain social distancing by staying 2 metres (6 feet) apart from others.
Families or groups of individuals co-living in the apartments should designate one person to run errands. Do not go in groups. Groups of individuals co-living in apartments should be treated the same as a family living together in a unit. Ensure property/building policies for maximum capacity per apartment are followed.
All tenants must practice social distancing. This poses some challenges in common areas such as elevators. Along with frequent cleaning of these areas, guidelines for elevators can be developed and posted outside of each elevator door, including maximum capacity to reduce crowding and maintaining social distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) on the elevator. No gatherings of more than 5 people are allowed and therefore, common rooms will need to be restricted. It is the decision of each facility operator whether or not to keep common rooms open.
Self-isolating residents (whether they have symptoms or not) If there are tenants self-isolating within their apartment, they must stay within their living space (this includes their balcony). They should have someone pick up their groceries and essential items. These items should be dropped off at their door. If they have a pet (i.e. dog) that requires to go outside, it is recommended they have a friend, neighbour or superintendent take the animal out while practicing proper hand hygiene. If this is not possible, provide support to reach out to a volunteer within the community to assist.
Caring, Community and Common Sense It is recommended that facility operators encourage a sense of community within their buildings during this hard time. If there are tenants who require help to pick up essential items or assistance with their pet, encourage tenants to support each other while maintaining the proper physical distance and frequent hand hygiene.
I hope you find this information helpful. Additional resources can be downloaded from our website: www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus
Make sure to check the Nova Scotia government website for updates, social distancing requirements are subject to change.
Until next time,
Design your landlord experience,
Michael P Currie
Landlord by Design
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