The current pandemic is presenting similar warning signs that many community associations experienced during the housing crisis in 2007. With the ‘Stay at Home’ order in place to slow the spread of the virus, we recognize that people who cannot work have to start making hard decisions.

Last Friday, the California Department of Public Health issued new guidelines for reopening additional sectors of the economy. The new guidance contains two main points of interest to community associations including Fitness Facilities and Outdoor Recreation. While neither document specifically referenced HOAs, both documents provide guidance for reopening pool areas, and the Fitness Facility Guidance includes information for associations that have gyms. It is important to note that these go into effect no sooner than June 12, 2020, and only after county health officer approval following review of specific criteria related to the spread of coronavirus infection.

The following guidelines respond to the many questions Richardson|Ober|DeNichilo has received from community associations throughout the State about pool use and potential liability in light of the existing (and sometimes inconsistent) COVID-19 Orders in place.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is impossible to ignore the additional impact on our communities from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Under normal circumstances, we are impacted by the steady rise in occupancy rates in multi-unit residential communities. e challenges of individuals living in relatively close proximity to one another under rules enforced by lay leaders has its stress points that require each of us to develop a higher level of tolerance and a degree of civility.

After 6 weeks of working to flatten the curve, Californians are eager, yet anxious, to resume some sense of their former routines. Although Governor Newsom gave no firm timeline for an end to the “Stay at Home” Order, he acknowledged that it is a matter of days and not weeks before California starts to reopen.

It’s here. The “Natural Disaster” few saw coming and fewer still think they are prepared to handle. Yesterday, the California Department of Public Health issued a statement that the gathering of 250 people or more should be postponed or cancelled. Smaller gatherings in facilities that do not allow for
“social distancing” of six feet should be cancelled or postponed. Gatherings of people at high risk of illness should be limited to no more than 10 people.