Property Management Response to COVID-19
Resources for keeping employees, residents, and properties safe
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus that was first detected in China and has now been detected in many locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2,” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19).
One of the most important things to know is that this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, and your best source of information is the CDC. Check the CDC website regularly for updated information and guidance.
With the spread of COVID-19, property management companies are thinking about how to help keep their employees, residents, and properties safe.
We wanted to remind you that Grace Hill has the following resources available. We have reviewed them to make sure they are in line with current guidance from the CDC on preventing the spread of COVID-19, and we will continue to monitor the situation and update these resources, as needed.
- Pandemic Illness Policy: Best practices and resources for preparing for and dealing with illness outbreaks, such as COVID-19.
- Safety Series Workplace Illness Prevention Short Course: This course covers everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, which is what the CDC is currently recommending for COVID-19.
- Safety Series Bloodborne Pathogens Short Course: OSHA has noted that although the Bloodborne Pathogens standard applies to occupational exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials that typically do not include respiratory secretions that may transmit COVID-19, the provisions of the standard offer a framework that may help control some sources of the virus.
Prepare in Advance:
Property owners and managers should consider determining a tentative plan of action in the event a resident or employee has tested positive for the virus.
- Determine how you will handle service requests for residents who have tested positive for the virus and are self quarantined at home.
- Ensure that you have the appropriate PPE on hand and that your employees understand the proper protocol for reducing the chances of contracting the virus. (Be aware that for employees who feel there is an “imminent danger” of contracting the illness, per OSHA, that employee may decline to perform services.)
- Develop a plan for ensuring that common areas that may have been contaminated by the virus are appropriately cleaned.
- Encourage sick employees to stay at home and develop alternative methods of completing work-related duties, such as telecommuting when appropriate.
- Consider rescheduling events that require employees to travel or congregate with large groups of people.
Helpful Resources
We have also compiled information from official sources that can help you communicate accurately with employees, residents, and supplier partners, put basic preventative measures in place, and be prepared should the outbreak widen in the U.S. Using these resources will ensure that you are communicating the most accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19.
- Visit the CDC website regularly for updated information and guidance.
- Use these handouts and posters (offered in multiple languages) and informational videos.
- Take time now to make prevention and response plans using the CDC’s guidance for businesses on how to plan for and respond to COVID-19.
- Pay particular attention to the CDC’s guidance on stigma awareness and prevention. Proactively educate your employees using guidance from the CDC to avoid stigma and potential discrimination.
- Sign up for email updates from the CDC so you have the latest information coming straight to your inbox.
- Know your state and local health organizations so you can receive important information and coordinate with them if needed.
- Keep up with OSHA to ensure you have the latest on workplace illness prevention, including relevant standards and record-keeping requirements.
