public spaces (e.g., Illinois, Connecticut and Massachusetts). Prospect-tour policies may vary,
with many companies continuing to offer an option of “self-guided” tours in addition to in-person
standard tours, of which the opportunity may be limited. Others will continue to offer virtual tours if
appropriate technology is in place to enable this option. Sharing a golf cart is not advised when
adhering to the six-foot rule. Prospects will need to use their own vehicles to tour the property if a
walking tour is infeasible.
2. Clubhouse – If your clubhouse has been unoccupied for seven or more days, it will only necessitate
normal routine cleaning to reopen the area, as the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been shown
to survive on surfaces longer than one week, according to the CDC. Because occupancy for resident
events should be limited to fewer than 10 people at a time, it is recommended that virtual events are
held instead until these restrictions are reduced or removed at the federal and state levels. Consider
reducing operating hours so proper cleaning can take place.
A strong focus by staff should be placed on sanitizing work areas, public areas and commonly
touched places (door handles, elevator buttons, etc.) and placing hand sanitizers in common areas.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a list of EPA-registered disinfectant
products that are qualified for use against this strain of coronavirus through the agency’s Emerging
Viral Pathogen program. The CDC recommends reducing the risk of exposure by making long-term
changes to practices and procedures to include reducing the use of porous materials used for
seating, leaving doors open to reduce touching by multiple people, opening windows to improve
ventilation and removing objects in your common areas such as coffee-creamer containers. If food
and/or drinks are offered as refreshments for residents and prospects, consider only offering prepackaged
foods. Elevator button panels should be disinfected at regular intervals throughout the
business day.
3. Fitness Center – Opening your fitness center should first address strength and cardio areas, where
you can ensure proper social distancing will be observed. Gyms may need to be reconfigured to
increase the space between equipment, and capacity limitations should be considered, as well as
alternating machine use to maintain rigorous cleaning schedules. Placing markers on the floor to
indicate where residents can stand to remain six feet apart will assist in reinforcing the importance of
social distancing, especially if your fitness center typically experiences high traffic.
Send an email to residents with new guidelines to include social distancing information, hours of
operation, where to sign-up, if applicable, and guidance on sanitizing equipment after use. Because
apartment gyms are rarely staffed, buildings would have to trust residents to properly clean the
equipment, and this can prove challenging. It is suggested for a contracting company to come in
weekly at minimum for a deep cleaning of fitness facilities. Increasing the frequency of daily cleanings
is advised and can be achieved by scheduling gym closures throughout the day to allow cleaning
crews or your maintenance team to thoroughly clean the equipment and floors. It may be best in the
early stages to eliminate 24-hour gym availability to ensure that fitness centers receive a complete
cleaning at the end of each day. To avoid risking your warranty coverage, be conscious of the
guidance from your equipment manufacturer and their recommended procedures for cleaning and
disinfecting. Following instructions ensures that the maintenance schedule is in line with maximizing
product life.
4. Swimming Pool – According to the CDC, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19
can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas or water-oriented play areas.
Proper operation and maintenance of these facilities should render the virus incapable of spreading in
the water. In addition to ensuring water safety and quality, owners and operators should follow
the interim guidance for businesses and employers for cleaning and disinfecting their community
facilities. The pool water is constantly being disinfected by chlorine, but there may be a need for extra
disinfecting of items outside of the pool, such as:
a. Door handles inside and outside
b. Handrails and pool ladders
www.saaaonline.org | JUNE 2020 SPECIAL EDITION 13