COVID-19 safety in common rooms

Started by AmyO • 4 replies • 333 views

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AmyO (Minnesota)
Posts: 2

Posted:

During the COVID-19 pandemic we have closed or seriously restricted access to our building's common rooms. We're getting increasing pressure from members (in our 55+ building) to open them up to more people. Thus far we have not had any assessment of the rooms' air quality/ventilation. I'm wondering how others are balancing safety vs. the strong desire of some people to gather. Any sample guidelines or policies? How do you handle enforcement?

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

There have been several conversations on this topic you might want to review (don't add new responses, as those conversations have closed). I know people are eager to start moving back to normal (whatever that is), but I personally believe it's important to err on the side of caution. Start with checking your local health department to see where your numbers are, along with any restrictions. For example in my community, gyms are limited to 25% capacity, and the equipment must be wiped down after use.

As a practical matter, you need to determine the maximum number of people the room can hold, then take 25% of that. Someone will need to monitor the number coming in and out, as well as zap them with a digital thermometer before letting them in, and perhaps asking if they've been exposed to anyone with COVID or have displayed symptoms in the last 24-48 hours. The association will have to buy supplies to wipe everything down, hire one or two people to walk around doing that - and ensure social distancing on top of that.

The people and supplies all cost money - are these homeowners willing to pay for it. Some may squawk about "I want access because my assessment are paying for the guym." That's true, but people also forget assessments pay for a number of services. Who knew adjustments would be necessary in case of a pandemic? And what happens if someone contracts COVID and decides to sue the association because he/she "probably" contracted it from someone who was in the area at the same time or prior to that? Your neighbors need to understand their assessments would have to cover the legal costs of that as well, whether they went to the gym or not. If there isn't enough money, assessments increase - and may increase even more if the association loses the lawsuit.

Personally, I'd skip opening the gym. It's not like people can't exercise at all - get some dumbells and throw on an exercise DVD or pull up something on YouTube and get cracking. My Zumba studio holds virtual classes - it's different from being in a live location, but that's better than being stuck on a vent in a hospital or dealing with the effects of COVID several months later - have those homeowners look up COVID long haulers and then they can say if they want to take their changes. If so, maybe they should also be willing to sign a waiver holding the association harmless from any and all fallout.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

What are the purposes of these rooms, Amy? What size are they?

How many unrelated ppl are allowed in them now?

We have a couple of very large "Lounges," and only permit one household at a time in them. They are not very useful anyway except for meetings or parties neither of which we can have right now.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Check with your local and state rules on Covid-19. Plus the CDC recommendations. Post them if you have to for making people understand the reasons why. Sure can get a copy of the CDC guidelines and state rules online to post.

I am currently finally getting out of quarantine tomorrow. Had an exposure at work. Wasn't sick and already had the virus. People may complain now but let me tell you 10 days of quarantine isn't fun. You have to understand EXPOSURE has to be treated just as much as if you have the virus. Which you could and that is why need to quarantine even upon exposure. Oh and it is NOT like the flu...

Former HOA President

AmyO (Minnesota)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Thank you for your comments and thoughts so far.
The rooms in question are a common room that usually holds about 60 people and a craft room that holds about 20 people (both currently closed). We have a small fitness room and a small library where we're only allowing people from the same household to be there at any given time.
Our current state guidance on social settings is that two households may gather indoors, 10 people max. In our building, many are single and elderly--some are feeling isolated, others are out socializing in the community and with family.
People are used to socializing in the common room--having coffee and playing cards. Some are still doing so in their own units. We have had problems with masking compliance in the building and people already breaking existing rules (also removing signs). Communication has been clear to residents, but some just don't seem to appreciate the risks.
As many in the building will be receiving vaccinations soon and our state's current case rates are declining, there is a feeling the restrictions should be loosened up. I anticipate it will be hard for members to understand that even if everyone is vaccinated, there's still a risk they could acquire COVID and pass it on to someone else, and that we'll be facing even more problems with compliance in the future. We have no good way to enforce our policies other than a recent change we made to our Rules and Regs that allow us to charge a $100 fine after a second violation. It's questionable whether that would be enforced since all but one Board member continue to hold meetings in person.
The issue you raise Sheila of liability and associated costs for infection acquired through contact in common areas is a good one. Does anyone have experience with this actually happening? It would be good to be able to cite an example.

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