Anti-Covid measures in the communal areas of owners’ associations

The health emergency caused by the current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has completely changed our daily habits and routines, and the anti-COVID measures in the communal areas of housing estates were no exception

With the aim of preventing the spread of the disease, the WHO and government authorities have drawn up a series of health guidelines and recommendations in the vast majority of countries around the world.

Measures in Spain

In Spain, it is the government, advised by the health authorities, that decides on the implementation of these measures through its autonomous communities.

Although these vary depending on the circumstances and the severity of the situation, there is a certain degree of consistency regarding the measures we should take to prevent the spread of infection as far as possible. Here are the latest measures in Andalusia.

The rapid spread of the coronavirus in Spain and Andalusia in recent weeks is prompting people to take extreme precautions. Consequently, concerns about containing the coronavirus have also reached residents’ associations.

Alongside the general measures, recommendations are set out for the various circumstances and settings where people move about or gather in their daily lives.

Among these, in this article we will focus on the measures we should consider taking to combat Covid in our residents“ associations, specifically in those areas for shared use, known as the ”communal areas’ of a residents’ association.

Health and safety measures to bear in mind in the communal areas of our estate

There are various rules and guidelines in place to tackle the current health crisis, which we must adhere to within our residents’ association; however, these apply mainly to communal areas, as there is a degree of flexibility regarding their observance within our own homes. Let us therefore go through them:

No smoking:

As well as being a rule that applies on public roads, terraces, beaches and other outdoor spaces, we must also apply it within our owners’ association.

The ban applies provided that a minimum safe distance of two metres cannot be maintained from other people outdoors. However, in enclosed and indoor spaces, it must be observed regardless of whether or not that distance can be maintained.

The restriction is not limited to tobacco use, but also covers devices such as water pipes, e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Let’s look on the bright side of this regulation and consider that perhaps now is the ideal time to give up smoking (if you are a smoker).

Meetings with limited capacity:

Another of the rules introduced in the wake of the health crisis is the reduction of the maximum number of people allowed in enclosed spaces to ten. This includes family gatherings and also applies to any communal spaces or areas within the community.

For this reason, it is also recommended that you check that there are not more people present than permitted at any kind of community gathering. Please bear these restrictions in mind when moving through the communal areas of your building.

Compulsory use of face masks:

This rule is one of the most significant among all the new regulations introduced to address the “new normal” brought about by the crisis.

As is the case everywhere else, you must wear a face mask; compliance with this rule is essential in the communal areas of our housing estate.

This requirement to wear the usual face mask must be complied with, regardless of whether a safe distance of at least two metres can be guaranteed.

Exceptions

There are a number of exceptions set out in the law which exempt people from the requirement to wear a face mask. Specifically, children under the age of six and anyone suffering from respiratory failure are exempt.

It also exempts from the requirement to wear a face covering those individuals for whom, for health reasons or on medical grounds, wearing a face covering could cause greater harm.

Finally, as a general rule, people are permitted to go out without a face covering if they are carrying out any activity that is incompatible with wearing one, or in cases of force majeure.

As regards the type of face mask that is appropriate, the law does not specify any particular model, although it recommends the use of hygienic and surgical masks in particular. In any case, to ensure they are used correctly, they must cover both the nostrils and the mouth.

Other additional measures:

We can always introduce additional measures to reduce the likelihood of infections occurring in our community as a result of the inappropriate use of communal areas.

Wherever possible, a minimum safety distance of two metres should be maintained when moving about in these communal areas. It is also advisable to limit social contact to your stable household group when out and about in the community with others.

Cleaning tasks

Whether cleaning tasks are carried out by the residents themselves or have been outsourced to external staff, it is essential that all elements making up the communal areas are cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. If it is possible to use specialised products designed specifically for this purpose, it is important to do so in order to ensure the premises are as sterile as possible.

We hope you have found the information in this article useful. If you have any queries or questions that we can help you with, please do not hesitate to leave us a comment.

As property managers, here at Meridional Team we work in partnership with specialist professionals in the management of owners’ associations. No one is better placed than them to advise you on any matter of concern relating to your owners’ association.