We've reached an exciting stage in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With the vaccine program now rolling out, citizens are more than ready to heave a collective sigh of relief and start getting back to normal. Simultaneously, however, the vaccine program will be incremental, meaning it could be months before enough people can be vaccinated to make a dent in the infection rates. If your community association is considering instituting a mask mandate over and above your local ordinances, please consider these four takeaways. 

Security is a priority for individuals living in a community. For that reason, community associations or HOAs adopt various approaches when it comes to securing their properties, including the use of intercom systems and video surveillance. Other community associations opt to hire security personnel. The process of hiring security staff is no mean task.

As more states and local governments move toward lifting or easing shelter-in-place and social distancing guidelines, community associations have become faced with the very real prospect of needing a plan in place to address the reopening of amenities. Residents are becoming increasingly restless under stay-at-home state orders; naturally, they desire to use their community association’s recreational amenities. Restoring access to these amenities is a priority for many communities right now, and we want to provide your community with the knowledge and information to handle this situation effectively.

**In preparing to reopen amenity areas, it is recommended that the board of directors review all updated CDC Guidelines, as well as local and state orders/restrictions, additionally the board should consult with the associations legal counsel with regards to associated risks and protocols specifically necessary to reopen the pool.**

Practicing social distancing is a key component to helping flatten the curve and reduce the impact of the Coronavirus on our society, but it also presents a unique challenge to the millions of Americans who live in community associations.   From those living in close quarters, such as condos or cooperative, to the board members who often meet monthly to discuss the issues facing a community, these types of socializations need to be addressed differently to ensure the health and safety of everyone in your community.

In addition to the advice from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), Community Associations Institute (CAI) has also published some content on ways to help prevent the transmission of the virus in your neighborhood. Below are some of their suggestions as well as some expert advice on ways to continue operating your community during these difficult times.

Studies have long shown that building relationships with others in your community and neighborhood have a lasting impact on satisfaction and emotional well-being. However, during these times where we are being encouraged to practice social distancing and many of us are under shelter-in-place orders it can be difficult to connect with your neighbors. If you are one of the millions of American’s living in a community association, your board has likely cancelled any in-person events and also shut down shared amenities, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still connect, virtually, with your neighbors. Virtual events provide a unique and important experience for many owners, below are a few ideas that your community might be interested in planning.

Living on an upper floor in a high-rise building presents different challenges for security and privacy than a single-family home. There are several reasons why proactive security and privacy measures are smart for association members. While it is impossible to keep everyone safe from harm at all times, there are ways condo association board members can safeguard against disaster.