EVC Property Management Ltd are staying up to date with changes related to Covid-19 with the help of our professional bodies. The IRPM has sent us the following information which we want to share with you, so that you know we can still work.
In a bid to curb the rising cases of coronavirus across England and Scotland, both governments have made the decision to revert back to stricter restrictions with a national lockdown. People must now stay at home, however much like estate and letting agents, property managers are still able to work on site and in the office where they are unable to carry out their work from home. Gov guidance states that exceptions are those that work in ‘Critical National Infrastructure’. Property management functions meeting the following definition can continue to work – “National Infrastructure are those facilities, systems, sites, information, people, networks and processes, necessary for a country to function and upon which daily life depends.” Provided work is carried out in accordance with Public Health England guidance.
Site Visits
Some agents are following procedures prior to and during any confirmed site inspections and visits where they are intending to meet with people.
Pre appointment procedures:
- Ask customers and those residing in the property if they have or are experiencing or showing symptoms of Coronavirus -Click here for NHS information and advice.
- Ask customers if they have been asked to self-isolate by an employer, NHS or Public Health England/ Public Health Scotland.
- If customers answer yes to any of the above seriously consider making other arrangements. Appointment procedures:
- Ask customers and those residing in the property if they have or are experiencing or showing symptoms of Coronavirus.
- Ask customers if they have been asked to self-isolate by an employer, NHS or Public Health England/Public Health Scotland.
- Where possible keep a social distance (at least 2 meters) away from the customer
- Sanitise or wash hands upon entering and exiting the premises
- If clients answer yes to any of the above ensure to make alternative arrangements. If there are concerns around contact with a customer who has been confirmed as having COVID-19 or you are showing signs or symptoms of a cough, difficulty breathing you should contact NHS 111/ NHS 24 for advice.
Encourage safe communication between on-site staff and residents, to encourage residents to help support each other during this period by way of community initiatives.
Contractors:
- All contractors should have a safe system of work plan as a matter of routine. Agents are requesting that contractors update their safe system of work plan, to demonstrate that they are working safely during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Some agents are increasing the frequency of contract cleaners, whilst other agents are changing the instructions to cleaners, getting them to focus on ‘touchpoints’ such as door handles, lift buttons, and handrails.
- Some agents are also encouraging community led initiatives to wipe down key touchpoints with anti-bacterial cleaning products/wipes, as and when residents are entering and exiting the premises.
