The Coronavirus pandemic spread rapidly across the globe since it was first recognized in 2019.
Property managers were unexpectedly forced to understand the risk of COVID-19 and immediately implement safety measures. Managers relied on, and continue to rely on, guidance from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and had to be mindful of complying with state and local government guidelines that were continuously changing.
Managing a high-rise multi-family association was not without its challenges. Many restrictions were put into place altering day- to-day building operations, which forced the association to delay certain capital improvement projects while proceeding with others. To keep things moving, management, the board of directors and unit owners swiftly adapted to the new norm of holding virtual board meetings.
By Zijada Lavrovic, Property Manager, Chicagoland Community Management
The board of directors spared no cost when it came to the health and safety of all residents, staff and visitors. The fast-spreading disease called for quick action by management and the maintenance team. Maintaining an inventory of sanitizing supplies and personal protective equipment for staff is no easy task, but through continuous tracking of vendor inventory at all hours of the evening until early hours in the morning, a high-rise building can be successful in maintaining inventory.
… During the CORONAVIRUS DISEASE PANDEMIC
In order to take care of residents, the association first needed to take care of its staff, and that is exactly what was done. Since March, all staff members were supplied with daily face masks, pocket hand sanitizer and 6-mil gloves. When the “shelter-in-place” went into effect, employees had a lot of choices to make. Union employees had the option to use their vacation or take time off, but refused. The management team had the option to work from home, but refused. The rationale was “Teamwork” and sticking together to take care of the situation. Their combined efforts were truly gratifying to see.
At the end of February, the association’s new cleaning procedures went into place. The initial routine of sanitizing common areas every four hours quickly changed in mid-March to every hour. Also by mid-March, social distancing markers were placed throughout the first floor and sanitizing stations were installed by the main elevator vestibule, the service lobby and garage. These locations offered hand sanitizer, facial tissue and sanitizing wipes. By the end of March, additional antibacterial wipe dispensers were placed in all four elevators. In early April, face coverings were no longer a recommendation but a requirement.
www.cai-illinois.org • 847.301.7505 | 21
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