Are You Ready to Re-Open?

Bill Clark

Long before the Ontario Government allows the opening of clubhouse and recreational facilities, your Board needs to become familiar with the Governmental policies and develop a plan that follows their guidelines.

Here are some things to consider when designing your plan: 1) The health and safety of your residents and employees must be paramount. 2) You must look at the demographics of your residents in determining your plan. For example, there are some communities who would be considered in the high risk category.

So even greater caution must be taken to ensure the SAFTEY of the residents. 3) Are you going to open in phases? 4) Will people have to wear masks and gloves, have their temperature taken and complete a COVID-19 survey before they enter the facility or join an activity.

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Make sure that you have done your due diligence and comply with Bill 218.

5) Will there be restricted access by residents to each activity? For example; how many people can be in an exercise class in your gym or multi-purpose room? How many individuals can be in the gym or the pool at one time?

6) Will reservations be necessary? How long will each participant be allowed to use the facility? 7) Will you have to sanitize the entire building before opening and again after closing and how will it be done and by whom? 8) Will you have to clean after every use and who does the cleaning? 9) If hiring staff, will you need to structure operational hours to include availability for the cleaning schedule while maximizing their efficiency to reduce costs? 10) How will people enter and leave the facility? If using key fobs, are they shut down to prevent people entering uninvited?

11) Can they use the showers and change rooms? Check with local Health Departments. 12) Make sure that you have done your due diligence and comply with Bill 218. 13) You should have your “plan” checked by your lawyer, insurance company and the Health Dept. 14) Do you have a plan for residents who feel that they can do and go as they please? 15) Make sure every room is included in your plan.

I am sure that once a Board sits down to discuss the reopening there will be many more points brought up that do not appear in the above list. Again do your due diligence and remember your audience.