Combating the Spread of COVID-19 in Multi-Unit Residential Apartment Buildings
Health & Safety Policies
The health and safety of all our residents and employees continues to be our guiding principle during these unprecedented times. We at Kinsale have implemented a set of policies and guidelines designed to help minimize the chance for spreading of the novel COVID-19 virus in those places most important to us: where we live and where we work. These policies have been developed in consultation with leading health authorities that have provided the necessary guidance for us all during these trying times, including Toronto Public Health, Public Health Ontario, Health Canada; as well as relevant industry and tenant associations such as the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario and the Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations.
With the Province of Ontario announcing a return to a modified Stage 2 set of restrictions for regions including Toronto, York, and Peel – it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our efforts to keep our residents safe. We continue to closely monitor developments in the global struggle against this illness and work with our residents to promote the health and wellbeing who live in, and work with, our communities.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing is one of the chief methods public health officials advise Canadians utilize to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This means avoiding non-essential travel, working at a safe location, and staying away from group settings – especially those in in-door spaces – where able. As per the Toronto Public Health’s Guidance for Commercial or Residential Buildings, Kinsale follows a policy of physical distancing for all its managed communities while the threat of COVID-19 remains. This entails that:
Mandatory Masks/Face Coverings
In accordance with recent bylaws passed by the city of Toronto, all persons who enter an enclosed common space within our building(s), including lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms and others must wear a mask or face covering for the duration of their time therein. For Kinsale, this means that all representatives and employees will always wear a mask upon entering our building(s) for service. For residents, wearing a mask or facial covering is similarly mandatory when traveling to/through all enclosed common areas of their apartment building. Along with physical distancing guidelines, this policy is temporary but essential in helping to combat the spread of COID-19 within our communities.
Cleaning and Hygiene
At Kinsale, we have always taken great care to ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of our shared spaces. However, the realities of COVID-19 have increased the need for more diligence in this regard. As noted by public health officials, high-traffic indoor areas such as building lobbies, shared hallways, and laundry and storage facilities are areas of increased risk for the spread of transmissible infectious diseases.
Accordingly, Kinsale has and will continue to increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high-traffic touch points including intercom buttons, doorknobs, railings and other surfaces using Health Canada approved disinfecting agents.
In addition, we have and will continue to provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer(s) for use by residents, employees, and essential guests in all common area rooms that remain open, including building lobbies and laundry rooms.
It is advised that everyone who touches/comes in to contact with shared surfaces wash their hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer both before and after use, to help minimize the risk of high-traffic surface contamination.
Amenities
All essential-amenities necessary for the daily life and well-being of residents, including laundry services and storage areas, have and will continue to remain open for use by residents. It is our policy that all residents and guests that utilize these amenities must adhere to our policies regarding physical distancing, masks, and hand hygiene.
Rental Offices
With the health and safety of residents and staff being paramount at this time, we have closed our on- management office to all non-essential personnel.
Though our office will remain closed as the spread of COVID-19 remains dynamic, Kinsale Investments representatives and personnel can be reached and will remain actively involved in responding to residents. Our regular services have and will continue.
Move to Digital
In order to maintain adequate social distancing and better protect residents and staff, we will support and encourage online interactions through online payment options (tenantpay) and online or telephone maintenance requests when required.
Proactive Engagement
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and we know that as a result of this some of our residents will experience financial hardship. In keeping with our previous communications to you during the pandemic, if you are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, please know that we are committed to working with you towards a mutually beneficial solution. If COVID-19 has affected your financial situation, please contact our property manager and we can provide more information to help assist you with a fair and reasonable payment plan.
Kinsale will continue to actively monitor developments in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and work with our public health authorities to follow the best courses of action that will help keep our communities safe. As changes or updates to national, provincial, or metro regulations come online, we will make the necessary changes to our Health & Safety Policies and inform our team, residents, and stakeholders thereof. Kinsale remains committed to upholding a proactive approach towards managing and mitigating this unprecedented global health crisis.
Health & Safety Policies
The health and safety of all our residents and employees continues to be our guiding principle during these unprecedented times. We at Kinsale have implemented a set of policies and guidelines designed to help minimize the chance for spreading of the novel COVID-19 virus in those places most important to us: where we live and where we work. These policies have been developed in consultation with leading health authorities that have provided the necessary guidance for us all during these trying times, including Toronto Public Health, Public Health Ontario, Health Canada; as well as relevant industry and tenant associations such as the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario and the Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations.
With the Province of Ontario announcing a return to a modified Stage 2 set of restrictions for regions including Toronto, York, and Peel – it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our efforts to keep our residents safe. We continue to closely monitor developments in the global struggle against this illness and work with our residents to promote the health and wellbeing who live in, and work with, our communities.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing is one of the chief methods public health officials advise Canadians utilize to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This means avoiding non-essential travel, working at a safe location, and staying away from group settings – especially those in in-door spaces – where able. As per the Toronto Public Health’s Guidance for Commercial or Residential Buildings, Kinsale follows a policy of physical distancing for all its managed communities while the threat of COVID-19 remains. This entails that:
- all Kinsale employees and building residents must, where able, avoid all non-essential gatherings within common building areas, such as lobbies and hallways;
- Due diligence must be taken to ensure 6 feet of distance between person(s) when sharing an enclosed common space.
Mandatory Masks/Face Coverings
In accordance with recent bylaws passed by the city of Toronto, all persons who enter an enclosed common space within our building(s), including lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms and others must wear a mask or face covering for the duration of their time therein. For Kinsale, this means that all representatives and employees will always wear a mask upon entering our building(s) for service. For residents, wearing a mask or facial covering is similarly mandatory when traveling to/through all enclosed common areas of their apartment building. Along with physical distancing guidelines, this policy is temporary but essential in helping to combat the spread of COID-19 within our communities.
Cleaning and Hygiene
At Kinsale, we have always taken great care to ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of our shared spaces. However, the realities of COVID-19 have increased the need for more diligence in this regard. As noted by public health officials, high-traffic indoor areas such as building lobbies, shared hallways, and laundry and storage facilities are areas of increased risk for the spread of transmissible infectious diseases.
Accordingly, Kinsale has and will continue to increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high-traffic touch points including intercom buttons, doorknobs, railings and other surfaces using Health Canada approved disinfecting agents.
In addition, we have and will continue to provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer(s) for use by residents, employees, and essential guests in all common area rooms that remain open, including building lobbies and laundry rooms.
It is advised that everyone who touches/comes in to contact with shared surfaces wash their hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer both before and after use, to help minimize the risk of high-traffic surface contamination.
Amenities
All essential-amenities necessary for the daily life and well-being of residents, including laundry services and storage areas, have and will continue to remain open for use by residents. It is our policy that all residents and guests that utilize these amenities must adhere to our policies regarding physical distancing, masks, and hand hygiene.
Rental Offices
With the health and safety of residents and staff being paramount at this time, we have closed our on- management office to all non-essential personnel.
Though our office will remain closed as the spread of COVID-19 remains dynamic, Kinsale Investments representatives and personnel can be reached and will remain actively involved in responding to residents. Our regular services have and will continue.
Move to Digital
In order to maintain adequate social distancing and better protect residents and staff, we will support and encourage online interactions through online payment options (tenantpay) and online or telephone maintenance requests when required.
Proactive Engagement
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and we know that as a result of this some of our residents will experience financial hardship. In keeping with our previous communications to you during the pandemic, if you are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, please know that we are committed to working with you towards a mutually beneficial solution. If COVID-19 has affected your financial situation, please contact our property manager and we can provide more information to help assist you with a fair and reasonable payment plan.
Kinsale will continue to actively monitor developments in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and work with our public health authorities to follow the best courses of action that will help keep our communities safe. As changes or updates to national, provincial, or metro regulations come online, we will make the necessary changes to our Health & Safety Policies and inform our team, residents, and stakeholders thereof. Kinsale remains committed to upholding a proactive approach towards managing and mitigating this unprecedented global health crisis.