While many are staying at home during the pandemic, people who live in apartments or condos should consider additional steps they can take to limit the spread of COVID-19. Property owners and management companies also can take extra precautions to help keep their residents safe.
Apartment and Condo Residents:
Don’t crowd onto elevators. Consider only getting on with members of your own household, wait for the next elevator or take the stairs.
If you must leave your residence, practice social distancing. Try to stay at least six feet away from others.
Limit your use of common spaces, like gyms, party rooms, laundry rooms and pet relief areas. Stay at least 6 feet apart from residents and building staff.
Wear a cloth face covering — especially since it may be difficult stay six feet away from others in elevators, laundry rooms or other common areas.
Limit visitors to those who are providing essential services.
For people living together in close quarters, such as those who share a small apartment, or for people who live in the same household with large or extended families, the CDC offers additional guidance.
Building/Property Owners and Management Companies:
Frequently clean surfaces. These include door handles, stairway railings, elevator buttons, reception desks, push plates, light switches and laundry room equipment. Follow the CDC’s guidance for cleaning and disinfecting. Offer alcohol-based hand sanitizer in common areas.
Close or limit access to common areas such as fitness rooms, party rooms and lounges. These are areas where it may become difficult to maintain social distancing.
Post signs
Elevator: Limit the number of people who can enter the elevator at the same time
Laundry Room: Limit the number of people who can use the laundry room at the same time.
Social Distancing: Request that residents practice social distancing
Stopping the spread of germs: Reminding residents to cover their coughs and sneezes and wash their hands frequently. CDC has a flyer that can be posted.
Encourage your staff to wear cloth face coverings.
Have building staff drop off packages or deliveries outside residents’ doors to minimize contact between staff and residents and ask residents to instruct food delivery services to do the same. If residents need to pick up packages or mail, remind residents to practice social distancing.
For more information, visit the county’s web portal for coronavirus at: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19.
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