CAI-NJ May 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 is a new monthly feature in every issue in 2021. While upcoming issues of Community Trends ® will include featured arti- cles relating to COVID-19 and its impact on community associations in New Jersey, the Community Association COVID-19 Update provides 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/

UPDATE FOR MAY 2021:

Vaccinations: Earlier this year, Governor Murphy communicated his goal to have approximately 4.7 million adults fully vacci- nated by June 30, 2021. As of April 15, 2021, the state is just shy of reaching approximately 50% of that goal, with a total of approximately 2.3 million adults having received the full dose of their COVID-19 vaccinations. Effective April 19, 2021, eligibility to receive a COVID vaccination was opened to all individuals aged 16 and older. Visit https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine for more informa- tion on eligibility and scheduling of vaccination appointments. Opening Amenities: As the weather warms and spring fever sets in, many boards are navigating the challenges of deciding whether or not to open common amenities such as pools, clubhous- es, etc. Some important keys to remember include: • Educating yourself on the requirements and mandates of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as any local or state governance • Consider all costs associated with opening the ame- nities and ensure that the budget can handle any cost increases. This can consist of additional cleanings, staff, signage, sanitizers, etc.

• Work with professionals such as your attorney and insur- ance provider to ensure that the Association is protected, and in compliance with all regulations governing the site Another key topic of discussion has been whether com- munities can require their residents to provide proof of vaccination to use the common amenities. It is important to note that this is not allowable, as it violates privacy laws. Keeping Everyone Informed: The most important part of navigating this pandemic, is realizing that there is no “one size fits all” answer. Each site must weight the benefits, risks, and costs associated with opening their amenities, as these factors will be unique for each individual site. Keeping residents and owners informed of these factors will help everyone to understand the reasoning behind the decisions made. Posting this information on a site’s website, monthly newsletter, or email blast will help keep residents and owners informed on the latest status. In addition, these communications can also be used to inform residents of the health protocols in effect for each site as well, such as mask mandates, location of sanitizing stations, social distance requirements, etc. n

CAI-NJ would like to thank this month’s contributor, Editorial Committee Member, Michael Mezzo, CPA, MBA, WilkinGuttenplan.

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