2020 Guidelines for Community Associations Amid COVID-19

Community associations, which include homeowners associations, condominiums, strata corporations, and cooperatives, provide homes for more than 70 million people. Residents rely on volunteer board members to make decisions and govern in ways that improve their quality of life. While this role is vital under normal circumstances, it has become incredibly challenging during the ongoing global pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty to community associations, affecting everything from how meetings are conducted to the use of amenities and guest policies. Board members and management professionals are in charge of ensuring residents' safety from the virus while fulfilling their duties. This entails finding a balance between conducting business and maintaining residents' health and well-being. Volunteers on these boards are under immense pressure to navigate this crisis while adhering to swiftly changing guidelines from health experts, along with escalating government emergency directives and communication duties. Their leadership and service during this time are greatly appreciated.

Adhering to Official Guidelines

Community associations are required to follow all instructions from local, state, and national authorities. To prevent illness, avoiding exposure to the virus is paramount. The CDC recommends the following measures:

- Stay home if you are feeling unwell.

- Consider self-isolation if you belong to a high-risk group.

- Avoid close contact with sick individuals.

- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

- Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

- Practice proper etiquette when coughing or sneezing by using a tissue and disposing of it immediately.

- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently touched.

- Adhere to social distancing guidelines.

These practices are essential for safeguarding community health during these challenging times.