The health, safety, and well-being of our residents and associates are top priorities for us. With the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) making headlines, we want to share the proactive actions we are taking to keep our communities and workplaces safe. Below are the actions we are taking to protect our residents and associates, tips on how you can protect yourself and others, Coronavirus FAQs, and additional resources for information on the virus.
Preventative measures we are taking to protect you
Closing Amenities
Effective Friday, March 20 all amenities and common areas are closed until further notice. This includes fitness centers, business centers, lounges, kitchens, etc. Dog parks and package concierge systems at our properties who have these amenities will remain open. We will no longer be accepting packages at the Leasing Office. All packages will be delivered to your doorstep. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you in the short-term, but it is in all residents’ best interests for the long-term.
**UPDATE – May 20th, 2020
As states begin to gradually reopen, we will begin re-opening our amenities in accordance with state and local government guidelines.
Residents who choose to utilize these amenities must follow social distancing requirements, maintaining six feet between one another to keep these amenities open. Our staff is committed to continuing a heightened cleaning schedule in all common areas.
We ask that all residents who use the fitness facility and other amenities utilize the cleaning wipes provided before and after touching surfaces. The CDC and health professionals also recommend frequent handwashing and sanitizing.
You can view the status of the amenities at your property by state using the list below.
Colorado
– All community amenities are open
– The pool at Terracina will remain closed at this time
Florida
– All community amenities are open
Georgia
– All community amenities are open with the exception of pools
Illinois
– All community amenities remain closed
Kentucky
– All community amenities are open with the exception of pools
Minnesota
– All community amenities remain closed
North Carolina
– All community amenities remain closed
Ohio
– All community amenities will re-open May 26th
Tennessee
– All community amenities remain closed
Texas
– All community amenities are open. Pools and fitness centers are limited to 25% capacity
Those that are living in our communities in which the amenities remain closed, we appreciate your continued patience in these unprecedented times. We are closely monitoring state and local government guidelines and will reopen amenities as it safe to do so. In the meantime, stay safe and stay healthy.
Limiting Leasing Office Visits
We are asking all residents to limit visits to the Leasing Office. Please only stop by in person for urgent, time-sensitive matters that require meeting face-to-face. We are still here for you during our regular business hours. Please call or email us and we will be happy to accommodate any requests you may have while practicing social distancing recommendations.
Fee Waiver
To minimize unnecessary trips to the Leasing Office, we are temporarily waiving all transaction fees for payments made online via credit card or electronic check. This means it will not cost you anything extra to pay your rent and utilities online via check, saving you a trip to the Leasing Office and thereby minimizing your exposure to germs.
Screening Questions
Prior to setting a move-in date, we will ask potential new residents if they have recently traveled to an area heavily impacted by the coronavirus as outlined by the CDC. If so, they cannot move in for 30 days or until cleared by a doctor.
Education and Communication
We are in direct communication with medical professionals at the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic to get the most up-to-the-minute information. We are also closely monitoring updates from the CDC and WHO. We will update all residents and associates as the coronavirus situation changes. Here is a guidance document from Mayo Clinic that provides factual information about the coronavirus, tips for preventing infection, and steps to take if you become ill. All residents will receive a hard copy of this report at your doorstep. Below you will also find preventative measures, FAQs, and additional resources.
What we ask of you in return:
While there are currently no reports of the coronavirus in any of our communities, we are asking for your help to minimize exposure.
- If you traveled or plan to travel in the next 60 days to one of the areas heavily impacted by the coronavirus, please notify the Leasing Office immediately.
- If you test positive for the coronavirus, you must notify the Leasing Office by phone or email within 24 hours of testing result. Please do not come into the Leasing Office or use any common areas until you have been cleared by a medical professional.
We know this is a uncertain time for many. By taking the preventative actions outlined above, we can minimize the impact in our community. We are in this together. Please see coronavirus preventative measures, FAQs, and additional resources below.
Preventative measures to protect yourself
The following information on preventative measures was gathered from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Mayo Clinic.
Wash hands frequently
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place. If water is not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards, desks, toilets, faucets, tables, and countertops. Use soap or detergent and water to clean surfaces, then disinfect by using household disinfectant (most EPA-registered household disinfectants will work), a diluted bleach solution (1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water), or an alcohol solution of at least 70% alcohol.
Avoid large crowds
Unless absolutely necessary, try to avoid large crowds by practicing social distancing. The virus is most commonly spread through person-to-person contact, but communities where the virus is present are susceptible to community spread. Do your best to eliminate contact and try to stay at least 6 feet away from anyone, especially those that appear sick.
Follow travel advisories
Travel advisories to various countries are changing rapidly as the situation develops. Travel to China, Italy, and Iran is already prohibited, and travel from Europe to the US has been banned for 30 days beginning March 13, 2020. Stay up to date with current travel advisories on the US State Department website. UPDATE: As of March 17, 2020, the European Union has banned all travel into the EU for 30 days.
See a doctor immediately if you show any symptoms
If you begin to display symptoms such as fever, aches and chills, fatigue, headache, dry cough, or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately. If you need to go to an urgent care facility or a hospital, notify them beforehand so they can be prepared for your arrival.
Stay informed
Experts and medical professionals are learning more and more about COVID-19 every day, from how it’s spread, to symptoms, to treatment. Look to reliable resources such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the most up-to-date information. See our full list of resources.
Preventative measures to protect others
Quarantine yourself if you are sick
If you test positive for coronavirus stay home except to get medical care. Do not go to work, school, or any public areas and avoid using any public transportation.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover coughs and sneezes. Throw away any used tissues and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds immediately afterward with soap and water or hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around others, especially when entering a healthcare provider’s office. If you can’t wear a mask due to difficulty breathing, make sure to cover all coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow and wash your hands immediately afterward.
If you are NOT sick: As of April 6, 2020, the CDC is recommending everyone wear a mask or cover their face in some fashion when going out into public.
Limit contact with pets and animals
Restrict contact with household pets and other animals if you are sick. While there are no reported cases of animals contracting the disease, contact should still be limited until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets. If you must care for your pets while ill, wash your hands before and after the interaction and wear a facemask.
Do not share household items
Avoid sharing dishes, cups, eating utensils, towels, and bedding with anybody in your home. After using any of these items, make sure to wash them thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces twice daily
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces TWICE or MORE daily. This includes doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards, desks, toilets, faucets, tables, and countertops. Use soap or detergent and water to clean surfaces, then disinfect by using household disinfectant (most EPA-registered household disinfectants will work), a diluted bleach solution (1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water), or an alcohol solution of at least 70% alcohol.
Do not discontinue home isolation until cleared by a medical professional
Stay at home until a medical professional determines the risk of transmission is low. This decision should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs
Q: Who is most at risk of infection and of serious complications?
A: Anyone who has had close contact with an infected person is at risk. Older adults with underlying medical conditions such as lung and heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and a suppressed immune system have a higher rate of complications such as pneumonia and an increased risk of death.
Q: How does it spread?
A: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus is spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth of an infected individual which are spread when that individual coughs or exhales. These droplets can land on surfaces around the infected person and people can catch the disease by coming in contact with these surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 by breathing in the droplets from an infected person. That’s why it’s important to stay at least 6 feet away from anyone who appears to be sick.
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: Generally speaking, symptoms will be flu-like with high fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Having said that, you can be asymptomatic and not show any symptoms for up to 14 days and yet have still contracted the virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 80% of people recover from the disease without the need for special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical conditions like heart problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure are more likely to develop serious illness. If you show any symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
Q: What is the risk level in the US?
A: As of April 29, 2020, there are over 1,000,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the US. See the Johns Hopkins interactive coronavirus map to see which areas of the US are currently affected. It is expected that this number will continue to rise. The best course of action is to self-isolate, wash your hands frequently, and stay healthy by ensuring you eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. If you must enter the public do your best to practice social distancing, making sure to remain at least 6 feet of space between you and anyone else. See our tips for protecting yourself and others.
Q: Are there any treatments or vaccines in development?
A: Currently there are no effective treatments for COVID-19. Researchers are testing available drugs for effectiveness against the virus. A vaccine is in development, however it will take time to prove it’s effectiveness.
Q: If someone in an apartment community is diagnosed with COVID-19, will other residents become infected? What are the real risks?
A: According to the CDC, “there is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity and other features associated with 2019-nCoV 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.
Q: What measures are being taken to disinfect common areas?
A: We have reviewed CDC guidelines and consulted with professionals at the Mayo Clinic for guidelines on sanitation and cleaning to disinfect all areas of our community. The Leasing Office, hallways and common areas are all thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Q: What if I have recently traveled to a region impacted by the coronavirus?
A: Notify the Leasing Office. If you start to show any potential symptoms of the virus, consult a medical professional immediately.
Q: What if I have plans to travel to a region affected by the coronavirus?
A: Keep an eye on US State Department travel advisories. Currently travel to China or Italy is not advised. See the Johns Hopkins interactive coronavirus map to see which regions are affected. If you must travel to an affected area, practice extreme caution. Avoid crowds, wash your hands frequently and stay healthy by ensuring you eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Notify the leasing office before you leave and upon your return. If you start to show any potential symptoms of the virus, consult a medical professional immediately. UPDATE: As of March 11, 2020, all Europe to US travel is banned for 30 days beginning March 13, 2020.
For more detailed FAQs about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, see the WHO FAQ or the CDC FAQ pages.
Additional Resources
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)