COVID-19
COVID-19 - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND THEIR RESIDENTS
To assist members of our community to understand and plan how to live
with the COVID-19 Virus, Strata OCM has consulted with relevant key
authorities to provide reference resources for Owners Corporations and
their residents.
We encourage everyone to abide by the Victorian Government directions
with regard to social distancing and personal hygiene. Please see:
https://www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-victoria
In the event a person tests positive to COVID-19, it is our understanding
the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria (DHHS) will maintain
regular contact with that person and provide guidelines as to how to
manage their health circumstance and self-isolation.
Should an Owners Corporation resident test positive and be directed to
self-isolate in their residence, we request the resident contact their
Owners Corporation Manager immediately to advise them of their
circumstances.
On receiving advice of a COVID-19 positive resident, Strata OCM will
initiate the following steps.
(i) Advise all owners of the presence of a COVID-19 positive resident at
their Owners Corporation (non-owner occupiers should notify their agents
and tenants)
(ii) Arrange a "deep" clean of the common property touch point as soon as
practicable
(iii) Arrange for a temporary sign to be placed in or around the
entrance/s advising of the close proximity of COVID-19 in the
building
(iv) Advise recent and scheduled trades and services of the close
proximity of COVID-19 in the building
We are advised that Federal and State Privacy Acts prevent the disclosure
at first instance of the identity of the resident. We are also mindful
that the information pertains to a medical condition, which is a concern
to our legal advisors.
It is important to understand that this is a Community Health issue, we
all have our part to play in helping each other stay COVID-19 safe and
aid those who test positive to the virus.
Affected residents, along with the Owners Corporation community and co-
residents do have an active role in their encouraging all members to
abide by community standards not to cause harm or damage to
others.
The OC Manager does not have and will not have an agreement with or
responsibility for the actions of a resident in isolation. This is,
as it should be, the responsibility of each individual resident and
household. We understand that contravention of strict isolation
guidelines may attract legal consequences in the event of
infringement. This is the responsibility of the relevant health and
reporting authorities.
When advised of the close proximity of Covid-19 to their community, it
would be prudent that all residents remain vigilant to its presence and
should take responsibility for their own personal hygiene. When in
and around the common area of the building, residents should consider the
wearing of a prescribed mask, gloves and the regular cleaning of hands.
The OC, at its own expense, should consider an increased scheduling of
touch point cleaning (hand rails, lift buttons, bins etc) as a public
health service to it's resident community. Safe Work
Australia guidelines suggest at least a daily clean and
disinfecting of touch points. The Owners Corporation committee or
representative should instruct their Manager in this matter.
Strata OCM has sourced additional relevant documentation which may be of
assistance to Owners Corporation which is published below. Additional
information may be sourced from;
Your Owners Corporation Manager and Strata OCM are committed to assisting
your community to our full capacity to navigate the Covid-19
environment.
Should you wish to discuss this further or seek additional information
please feel free to contact your Strata OCM manager.