CAI-NJ March 2021

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE THINKING ABOUT RIGHT NOW? COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION COVID-19 UPDATE CAI-NJ Editorial Committee

T he Community Trends ® What Should You be Thinking About Right Now? — Community Association COVID- 19 Update will be a new monthly feature in every issue in 2021. While upcoming issues of Community Trends ® will include featured articles relating to COVID-19 and its impact on community associations in New Jersey, the Community Association COVID-19 Update will pro- vide direct, bullet-point style updates of the latest relevant COVID-19 information available at the time of publication. For the most up to date official information relating to COVID-19 in New Jersey, readers are encouraged to visit the State of New Jersey’s dedicated COVID-19 Information HUB at https://covid19.nj.gov/ . New Jersey continues to administer vaccinations in phases, with recipients’ eligibility determined by certain priority criteria. As of publication, individuals within Phase 1A and 1B are eligible for vaccinations. Visit the State of New Jersey COVID- 19 Information HUB (http://covid19.nj.gov) for information regarding vaccination eligibility, vaccination application pro- cess and locations of vaccination administration. REQUIRING VACCINATION FOR USE OF COMMON AREAS AND AMENITIES As communities begin to weigh the feasibility of re-opening common area amenities, many have questioned whether a community association could require vaccinations before permitting residents or others access to areas such as the clubhouse, pool or gym. While there are many different opinions on whether or not you should require vaccination as a pre-requisite to access, implementing vaccination Updates for March 2021 VACCINATION ELIGIBILITY

only access to common amenities is likely legally per- missible if done properly. The main drawback is that if you adopt such a policy, you must confirm each day that each person entering the amenity is a vaccinated person. That could come at an increased cost to the community. In addition, while vaccination reduces the chance of being infected, it does not completely eliminate it. You should still enforce face coverings and social distancing where required. As a result, it may be more feasible for some communities to keep amenities closed and limit vaccination requirements, if any, to outdoor activities and facilities, such as the pool. If you are considering implementing a vaccination requirement, you should consult with your professionals, including impacted vendors, management and legal coun- sel. Imposing a requirement that residents or others provide proof of vaccination without first consulting legal counsel is not recommended. PUBLIC RECREATIONAL BATHING INFORMATION & RESOURCES For the latest information and requirements for operating swimming pools in New Jersey during the COVID-19 Pandemic, be sure to check out the New Jersey State Department of Health Website: https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/sanitation-safety/prb.shtml This is a great resource for community associations and it is updated regularly. n CAI-NJ would like to thank this month’s contributors Editorial Committee Member, Martin Cabalar, Esq., Becker and Editorial Committee Liaison, Board of Director, Benjamin Basch, American Pool!

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