Anti-vid measures in common areas of homeowners' associations

The health emergency caused by the current pandemic of the covid-19 coronavirus has completely changed our daily habits and routines, and so have the anti-covid measures in the common areas of homeowners' associations.

In order to prevent the spread of the disease, WHO and governmental authorities have formulated a series of health guidelines and recommendations in the vast majority of the world's states.

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 they vary according to the moment and the seriousness of the situation, there is a certain homogeneity in terms of what we should take into account to avoid, as far as possible, contagion. Here are the latest measures in Andalusia.

The rapid spread of the coronavirus in Spain and Andalusia in recent weeks has led to extreme precautions. As a result, insecurity over the control of the coronavirus has also reached neighbourhood communities.

In addition to comprehensive measures, recommendations are made for the different circumstances and environments in which people pass through or occupy in everyday life.

Among them, we are going to focus in this article on the measures we should consider taking to fight against covid in our neighbourhood communities, specifically in those areas of common use, the so-called "common areas" of a community.

Sanitary measures to be taken into account in the communal areas of our community

There are various rules and recommendations defined to deal with the current health crisis that we must respect in our community of neighbours; although these are subject to the common areas, since inside our homes there is a certain laxity in this respect. So let's take a look at them:

No smoking:

In addition to being a rule in force on public roads, terraces, beaches and other outdoor spaces, we must also apply it inside our homeowners' association.

The prohibition is effective as long as a minimum safety distance of two metres cannot be maintained from other people outdoors. In enclosed spaces and indoors, however, it is mandatory regardless of whether or not such a distance exists.

The restriction is not exclusive to tobacco use, but also includes devices such as water pipes, electronic cigarettes or vaping devices. Let's look at the positive side of this rule and consider that it might be the right time to quit smoking (if you are a smoker).

Meetings with limited capacity:

Another rule introduced in the wake of the health crisis is the reduction of seating capacity in enclosed spaces to a maximum of ten people. This includes family gatherings and also refers to any common space or area in the community.

For this reason, it is also recommended to control the presence of more people than allowed in any type of community gathering. Keep these limitations in mind when you are in the common areas of your building.

Mandatory use of face mask:

This rule is one of the most prominent of all these new regulations in order to deal with the "new normality" imposed by the crisis.

As in any other place, a protective mask must be worn, in the common areas of our community of neighbours it is imperative to comply with this rule.

The wearing of the mask is mandatory, irrespective of whether the safety clearance of at least two metres can be guaranteed.

Exceptions

There are a number of exemptions in the law that exempt from the requirement to wear a respirator. In particular, children under six years of age and all persons suffering or suffering from respiratory insufficiency are exempted.

It also acts as an exemption to the use of this element on persons to whom, for health reasons or medical justification, the use of the mask may cause greater harm.

Finally, in a generic way, it is permitted to transit without a mask for those who carry out any type of activity that is incompatible with its use or for reasons of force majeure.

The law does not specify any specific type of mask, although it does recommend the use of hygienic and surgical masks. In any case, for correct use, they must cover both the nostrils and the mouth.

Additional measures:

We can always incorporate additional measures to reduce the chances of contagion in our community, due to inadequate use of common areas.

Whenever possible, the minimum safe distance of two metres should be ensured when walking in these communal areas. It is also advisable to limit social encounters to your stable living group when accompanied when wandering around the community.

Cleaning tasks

Whether the cleaning tasks are carried out by the residents themselves or have been delegated to external personnel, it is necessary to carry out hygiene and disinfection work on all the elements that make up the common areas on a regular basis. If there is the possibility of using special and specific products for this purpose, it is important to use them in order to achieve greater asepsis of the place.

We hope that the information in this article has been of interest to you. 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, at Meridional Team we have the collaboration of specialised professionals in the management of homeowners' associations. Nobody better than them will be able to advise you on any matter of concern related to your community of owners.