guidance regarding appropriate measures to take.
Media Guidance
NAA recommends that incoming media requests be directed to
CDC and/or local health offi cials, who are better qualifi ed to answer
their questions at this time. You don’t want to be at risk with liability
concerns.
• Ensure your offi ce has proper contact information of the local
health authority and/or the best CDC resources on hand for
handling queries from local stakeholders.
• NAA recommends a holding statement be developed. An
example: "We appreciate your call. It is wise for everyone to
remain current and follow the most recent guidance provided
by health offi cials. That is why we request that you direct your
question to [Local Health Offi cial] or the CDC, who are on top
of this situation."
Other Key Messages to Consider
NAA recommends that guidance from CDC and other offi cials be
treated seriously. At present, CDC prevention information includes:
• Wash hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20
seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue
away.
• Frequently clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces.
NAA encourages all members and affi liates to monitor the
situation and stay current with advice from CDC and public health
offi cials.
Potential Questions from Residents/Media
If someone in an apartment community is diagnosed with
COVID-19, will other residents become infected? What are the real
risks?
According to the CDC, “there is much more to learn about the
transmissibility, severity and other features associated with COVID-19
and investigations are ongoing.” We encourage you to visit the CDC
website for up-to-date information and safety precaution tips and we
will provide new information as it becomes available.
[In the event of a confi rmed case of COVID-19] Did the building
owner and property management team collaborate with CDC to
disinfect an apartment and any other parts of the building? What
was done to isolate the virus to the patient’s apartment? How was
the patient’s apartment cleaned and sanitized? How did the building
owner and manager address sanitizing the public spaces of the
building that the patient may have come in contact with? Is my
apartment safe? I live on the same fl oor as he did – am I in danger of
contracting COVID-19?
www.aamdhq.org
APRIL 2020
TRENDS | 27