COVID-19: HOW TO HANDLE CONDO/HOA RESIDENTS WHO BECOME ILL
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THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19
Covid-19 has posed big challenges to residential communities that are ruled under HOAs. Indeed, this challenge conflicts the health and safety of the residents and their privacy. And there is no precise answer to this problem since we are living in an unprecedented historical moment.
THE NEW CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Undoubtedly, the new coronavirus has reached the condition of a pandemic. Now, the WHO, the CDC (Center for Disease Control), and other health organizations are monitoring the rapid evolution of this respiratory disease caused by a new virus.
THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT CORONAVIRUS IS SOCIAL DISTANCE On the other hand, currently, the number of confirmed COVID-1 cases has risen to 5.596.550 infected people. Likewise, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 yet; therefore, according to the experts, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. It is because the virus spread through close person-toperson contact.
In the first instance, the responsibility of an HOA is to protect the community. And it is important to determine if this responsibility includes the protection of community health since any HOA must protect itself from legal liability. In this context, your HOA must check the governing documents to find out any duty related to the protection of the health and welfare of the members. However, in most cases, the function of an HOA is to keep and maintain the common areas and enforce the rules of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions of the community.
CORONAVIRUS AND YOUR HOA
HEALTH PROTOCOLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COVID-19 On the other hand, HOAas cannot force members to meet the corresponding health protocols associated with the COVID-19. Notwithstanding, board members can encourage residents to wash their hands frequently and avoid close contact with people who are ill. Likewise, the association must keep frequently touched surfaces in common areas clean and disinfected. In the same way, associations can put up sanitizing dispensers in shared areas like elevators and other installations, as well as suspend crowded events within the community.
ANOTHER ASPECT THAT HOAS MUST HANDLE IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF SICK WORKERS. IT MEANS THAT THE ASSOCIATION SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE WORKFORCE. WHEN EMPLOYEES ARE ILL, THE BEST OPTION IS TO ASK THEM TO STAY HOME UNTIL THEY RECOVER.
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