How is RPM responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
NOTICE: Cooperation Humboldt is contact point for volunteers / volunteering e.g. help with deliveries.
SUMMARY: RPM ACTIONS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 (Updated 3/15/20)
“Everything we do before a pandemic will seem alarmist. Everything we do after will seem inadequate.” – Michael LeavittSocial / Physical Distancing - Our Team is prepared to operate effectively from home based locations.
Staff are not to shake hands with customers.
Elimination of Reception Hours
Elimination of Open House Showings
Convert to Video Inspections for Occupied Units. If residents are able to use a smart phone, the Resident can conduct the inspection through the use of video apps where the Resident "walks" an inspector through the property with video. This is to confirm that the property is in rent ready condition and there are no obvious safety / habitability / housekeeping issues.
Staff are to minimize entering occupied properties.
Discontinuing group meetings / yoga / team meals.
Why Social Distancing?: Asymptomatic spread of coronavirus may be responsible for more cases than previously thought.
Keep up to date with these important links:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
CDC Coronavirus Disease Information for Travel
CDC Coronavirus Disease Cases in the U.S.
CDC Coronavirus Disease Information
OSHA3990 - Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (35 Pages)
Glip: For Team-Wide Messaging
Hubstaff: For Time Tracking and Activity Monitoring
G Suite: For Documents, Spreadsheets, and Records (see add-ons like Magic Link)
Google Hangouts/Meet: For Video Meetings, Screen Share and Presentations
Trello: For Light-Weight Project Management
STATEMENT: COVID-19 ACTION PLAN
COVID-19 (coronavirus) is an evolving issue we are monitoring closely. With the rise of reported coronavirus cases in North America, we are currently taking a preventive approach to address concerns and encouraging our Team to act with prudence in their daily operations.
Below is information about our action plan for the 2019 novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”). The health and safety of our employees and customers we serve is our primary focus. This information is based upon currently known information. Because the impact of COVID-19 is constantly evolving, it’s important to stay up to date with accurate information and to prepare appropriately and responsibly.
We are maintaining open lines of communication with our Team and educating them about COVID-19, including its symptoms and risks, and preventative steps recommended by public health authorities. We are implementing a social distancing policy as part of our response to this virus. A social distancing policy means that our staff do not shake customers' hands or have close proximity with groups. We have internal communication systems to act as a safe platform where anyone can raise any concerns related to COVID-19. We are taking action to reduce the spread of rumors, assumptions and misinformation that can cause unnecessary panic and allow for the early detection of issues. Below is a list of frequently asked questions for your use.
What is the current level of risk for the Coronavirus?
This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment may change daily. The latest updates are available on the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website.
Does the CDC have guidance for businesses and employers?
You can find CDC resources specific to businesses HERE
How can I reduce the risk of obtaining the virus?
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Maintain social distancing (considered safe at a distance of 6 feet) through the following actions by eliminating shaking hands, hugging, fist/elbow bumps, or other close encounters while at work.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces on a regular basis.
Should I wear a mask?
The CDC does not currently recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. According to the CDC, “you should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it.”
Are RPM Team Members required to show up for work?
All Admin Team Members have the option to work remotely.
Team members in good health, that have not been exposed to the virus, can continue to report to work at the office.
Team members who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness must stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines.
Team members must notify their manager and stay home if they are sick (showing symptoms of the virus, running a fever, etc). If a team member reports to work and is showing symptoms they may be asked to go home.
Will you still be performing inspections and entering properties?
We will be minimizing exposure to occupied units. We will attempt to perform video inspections, when possible, where the Resident "walks" us through the property to confirm it is in satisfactory condition.
What if a customer does not want us in their home?
We will work to minimize accessing resident's homes.
If absolutely required, we will express understanding for the customer’s concerns and ensure them that you are taking precautions to protect customers and staff.
If they still do not want you to perform service, look to reschedule the work with the customer.
Be nimble and look for ways to offer our customer solutions that may mean less social contact. For example, have the Resident pay online rather than visiting the office.
Review the scope of work for exterior projects that may be able to be performed.
Importance of Service Professional (Maintenance Technician) appearance
Having a neat and clean uniform is more important than ever. This first impression can impact a customer’s comfort level with having you in their home.
Upholding personal hygiene standards should be a focus as well.
Will we be temporarily ceasing operations?
No. Our operations should be 100% remote friendly and we fully expect to continue providing quality service to our customers.
We are instituting a social distancing policy. Practically speaking, this means while at work or attending meetings, we are asking you to stop shaking hands, hugging, fist or elbow bumps, kissing the cheek, or other close encounters when greeting people. This social distancing policy is a best practice we can implement quickly without disruption to daily activities.
The coronavirus can spread through person-to-person interaction (within about 6 feet) and by coming into contact with infected surfaces or objects. While there are currently no vaccines to prevent coronavirus, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Basic hygiene practices are the first defense in preventing coronavirus.
The U.S. federal government, Government of Canada, World Health Organization and various business associations have published resources on COVID-19. Those are linked below for your use.
North American Government Resources:
World Health Organization:
Business & Industry Specific Resources:
As we continue to monitor developments around COVID-19, we will update our Action Plan as the situation may change. Our health is an investment, not an expense. We respect ourselves by taking good care of our health.
Sincerely,
Darus K. Trutna
President
Real Property Management
Chronology
Published: Mar 16, 2020 - Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order to Protect Renters and Homeowners During COVID-19 Pandemic
Additional Resources
Mitigation measures for COVID-19
Support your schools’ decisions to close: Proactive school closings save more lives than reactive school closings. Your schools should close now … before infections are present. Closed schools do not mean playdates for children – this counteracts the social distancing the school closures are meant to create in the first place.
6 feet: The COVID-19 virus spreads through droplets. They can move 6 feet before gravity brings them to earth. Stay 6 feet away from people if you need to go outside.
Meticulous hand washing: Wash thoroughly and wash often. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer works well if your hands are otherwise clean.
Do not touch your face. This is hard. This is a learned skill: Practice often.
Clean doorknobs, toilets, cellphones, countertops, refrigerator handles, and so on many times each day. The virus could live on certain surfaces for 4-72 hours.
If you can work from home, work from home.
No tournaments, no sports events, no soccer, baseball, dance, volleyball, softball, gymnastics, concerts, martial arts, etc. We don’t care how much they claim they will clean the equipment.
Cancel vacation travel. We know you planned this for a long time. You will be saving many lives by doing so … perhaps someone you know.
Cancel weddings/ bar/bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, and so on. Help other people live so they can celebrate future events too.
If you are over 60 years old, you should stay home. You should only go out if there is a critical need.
If you have parents/grandparents in a nursing home, you should consider moving them home for now.
Do not congregate in a restaurant, bar, etc. Again, you will save the lives of people you will never meet.
If you feel sick, stay home. It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel too sick. Going to work will put countless other people at risk of suffering or dying.
Cancel all business travel. Your life and the lives of others are more important.
Expect supply chain issues: Work with your doctor to try to get a three month supply of medication.
Many grocery stores have order ahead options with either pick up or delivery. There are online grocery delivery services available in many areas. Wash your hands thoroughly after unpacking groceries.
Howard J. Luks (@hjluks) is an orthopedic surgeon. Joel Topf (@Kidney_Boy) is a nephrologist. Ethan J. Weiss (@ethanjweiss) is a cardiologist. Wendy Sue Swanson (@WendySueSwanson) is a pediatrician. Bryan Vartabedian (@Doctor_V) is a pediatric gastroenterologist. Carrie Diulus (@Cadiulus) is an orthopedic surgeon. Nancy Yen Shipley (@_NancyMD) is an orthopedic surgeon. Eric Levi (@DrEricLevi) is an otolaryngologist.
Additional Resources
VIDEO - 18 seconds: some of the best advice you’ll get on the coronavirus
ARTICLE: The Exponential Power of Now - The explosive spread of coronavirus can be turned to our advantage, two infectious disease experts argue: “But only if we intervene early. That means now.”