Second Wave COVID-19- Condo Corporation Steps

​With the second wave of Covid-19 infections upon us, the City of Toronto Health officials have made it clear that imposing further restrictions is the only way to curb the continued spread of  the virus.
Jason Reid from National Life Safety Group and regular Condo Adviser’s Webinar panelist, provides steps for condo managers and directors to put into place right away:

1. All condo staff are required to wear mask at all times inside the building.  Concierge staff using plexiglass as a barrier at front desk should also be wearing a mask.
2. Condo Corporations are required to ask three (3) questions of all visitors / non-residents / trades OR post appropriate /obvious signage.    As of September 26, 2020, all businesses in Ontario, regardless of sector, are required to conduct pre-entry COVID screening of all workers and “essential visitors” to their workplaces.    The recommendations identify three questions to be answered by persons who are going to enter the workplace. Anyone who answers “yes” to any of the questions is to be excluded from the workplace (indoors and outdoors).
3. Gyms can remain open with strict guidelines including having a detailed plan approved by the board.  One strict guideline now required is no group exercise classes.  This includes outside areas on the common elements.
4. Party rooms if opened – should close.
5. Security guards and building staff should consider having a document stating their travel requirements for their job from their employer.  This documentation may be needed in the near future and you want to be prepared for that situation.
6. Remind residents of public health requirements and that masks are required in all common areas inside the building and that physical distancing is a requirement on all parts of the property (outside areas as well).
7. With flu season upon us – Time to review cleaning schedules, enhance if required based on demographics and traffic in the building – and most importantly – audit them.
8. Fire Safety is important.  Remember that last time we saw the restrictions increase – we also saw a spike in fire incidents.  Ensure staff are completing “Supervisory Staff” fire drills every 3 months as required by the Ontario Fire Code and issue a reminder to all residents.

Other than dealing with Covid-19 challenges, a heads up to Condo Corporations about the new expanded authority of the Condo Authority Tribunal as of October 1, 2020-to deal with disputes involving the following:

• Pets
• Parkings
• Vehicles
• Storage
• Chargebacks over these disputes