Condo Living 101: Protecting your family against COVID-19

Living in condominiums, apartment buildings, and other multifamily residential developments can increase the risk of tenants and their families getting infected with COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, added risk can come from exposure to other residents, visitors, and staff. While strict health protocols can be properly observed, exposure to other people cannot be avoidable especially in communal areas and shared amenities. Living in closed proximity to others can also factor in community transmissions within residential properties, significantly affecting the battle against the spread of the virus.

Importance of Property Management

The role of property management firms has been emphasized during this uncommon circumstance. Property managers had to adapt quickly and develop COVID-19 policies and guidelines to keep everything in place while ensuring the safety of the tenants and their families from the virus. Being a community within a community, these residential real estate properties follow their own set of guidelines for the health and safety of their occupants.

RELATED: Tips For Landlords During A Pandemic: Ways To Future-Proof Your Business

Different sets of internal response were initiated by developers and property managers with the goal of protecting the health and safety of their tenants against the virus and other health hazards. Many did not allow visitors and non-tenants to enter their premises to avoid social gatherings and crowding. Amenities such as pools, gyms, and function rooms were closed during the implementation of the quarantine. Residents were also encouraged to limit the time they spent outside their space and to avoid touching surfaces on common areas.

Shared Living Spaces

Isolation may be difficult for families living in small and enclosed spaces. In the US, CDC has issued “Guidance for Large or Extended Families Living in the Same Household” to help families prevent the spread of the virus within the home. Local hospitals in the Philippines have also shared guidelines and reminders for families living in condominiums on how they can keep safe inside their homes during quarantine:

• Arrange furniture to observe physical distancing
• Strictly follow standard health protocol to avoid spreading the virus such as frequent hand washing and taking a bath after going outdoors
• Have a designated disinfection area for those coming home
• Regularly disinfect surfaces and floors
• Take turns in eating alone in common dining areas
• Label plates, utensils, and glasses. Use separate dish sponges to clean them
• Post reminders about bringing a mask and face shield if leaving the house
• Do laundry separately and do not share laundry soaps and hampers.

Common Areas and Amenities

• Avoid crowded places
• Limit leaving the home for non-essential errands
• Practice social distancing in elevators, lobbies, and other shared amenities
• Touch as little surface as possible
• Practice frequent disinfection of hands
• Follow COVID-19 guidelines set by the property management team

After almost a year since the Philippines was placed under community lockdowns, most Filipinos have spent majority of their time inside their homes. While the government has eased quarantine guidelines and COVID-19 vaccines become available in the country, observing the strictest measures at home, especially inside condominiums, should still be given utmost importance as the world continues to overcome the pandemic.

For more tips and guides on the residential real estate market, contact Monsie Munez at (+63) 917-851-5240. You may also call (+63) 2-8403-5519 or send an email to [email protected].