Indoor Amenity Reopening Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this resource page does not intend to serve as legal advice. It is for referential and informational uses only. AAGO strongly encourages members to consult with their legal counsel on matters such as these, as well as, their corporate office teams in the creation of company-specific reopening procedures.
Executive Order 20-123 places Florida in Full Phase 1 of recovery and further expands its reopening process. 20-123 allows restaurants, in-store retail, museums, libraries, as well as, gyms and fitness centers to operate at 50% capacity.
As more and more local commodities ease their restrictions, residents may be wondering why they can go to the gym across the street for a workout, but still can't use their community's fitness center or swimming pool. The industry remains in uncharted territory and as we continue to navigate it together, the resources outlined below may prove helpful as members begin crafting their own reopening procedures.
Review
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19), May 2020.
- This guidance continues to be updated in real-time and offers viewers a "summary of changes" from last issued interim guidance. Changes as of May 6, 2020, include- conducting health checks, hazard assessment of the workplace, encouraging the use of cloth facial coverings, and more.
- Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes.
- The CDC's guidance is based on a framework that includes, normal routine cleaning procedures (soap and water), disinfection using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19, and EPA-approved alternatives in the event actual, approved disinfectants are unavailable.
- Considerations for Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds During COVID-19
- This CDC Guidance includes apartment communities, membership clubs, city or county governments, schools, waterparks, and homeowner associations. The guidance includes strategies for venues to consider in the reopening process that encourage healthy hygiene (i.e.- Cloth face coverings, adequate supplies, signs and messaging, etc.).
- Guidance for Shared or Congregated Housing
- CDC Guidance includes information on the maintenance of safe operations, considerations for common spaces, communication practices, and more.
The U.S. Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)'s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19.
- This guidance outlines how outbreaks can occur and affect the workplace, how to develop a proper preparation plan, outlines the high-to-low risk jobs, how to protect each risk tier and more.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s List N: Disinfectant for use Against SARS-CoV-2.
- Scrolling down the EPA's page, you will find a list of cleaning products that can be used for protection against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 or Coronavirus).
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Information for Gyms and Fitness Centers.
- DBPR released information that contains mandatory safety measures and best practices for gyms and fitness centers to follow and reference upon reopening.
The Florida Department of Health on Public Swimming Pools.
- FDOH released guidance on voluntary pool closures and references CDC guidance throughout.
FAQ- Can COVID-19 spread through public swimming pools or hot tubs?
- (A)- According to the CDC, there is evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools or hot tubs. Proper pool operation, maintenance, and disinfection should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.
See AAGO Pool and Outdoor Amenity Reopening
Reference
The National Apartment Association (NAA), Best Practices for Reopening Office and Amenity Spaces
- This best practices document provides information pertinent to the reopening of community leasing offices, clubhouses, swimming pools, fitness centers, the resumption of routine maintenance, and more.
- Additionally, NAA released a micro-webinar called, "Reopening Amenity Spaces: The What & How"
The Florida Apartment Association (FAA)'s, "What to Consider when Reopening your Amenities"
- This resource page contains a variety of referential resources that offer invaluable information to members. FAA's article includes information on the following: common spaces, pools, gyms, fitness centers, and more.
Stay up-to-date on the latest local regulations via FAA's Local Government COVID-19 Reopening Policy Tracker
- FAA has created a spreadsheet that continues to be updated in real-time with Orders enacted by local governments throughout the state as everyone begins the reopening process.
Lobby Tools COVID-19 Responses and Orders
- Lobby Tools continues to compile local COVID-19 orders/regulations and have included our jurisdiction under East Central Florida (East Central Florida further includes Brevard, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee).
Read
- Orlando Health's COVID-19 Business Ready, What's COVID-19, Proper Masking, Social Distancing, and more.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Information for Vacation Rentals recommended safety measures and best practices for cleanliness.
- Although not directly applicable, some of the information included in the guidance serves as "rule of thumb" sanitation measures for implementation, outside of short term vacation rentals.
- Florida Chamber's Key Guidance and Direction on Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Florida's Recovery
- The Florida Chamber has a lot of great infographics on Phase 1 and the reopening process, as well as, presentations pertaining to Phase 1 Executive Orders and guidance from various state departments.
- Multifamily Insiders Blog on 12 Steps to Reopen your Fitness Center with Success
- Multi-Housing News, On-Demand Webinar: Snap Sessions. Navigating Gym Amenities During COVID-19
- IREM's Pandemic Guide for Real Estate Managers
- IREM's guide includes information on planning, infection control, operations, communications, and more.