Darren Bagnall, of Flat Living Insurance, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on our work environment, our homes and our mental health.

The events of this year have been unlike anything we’ve ever seen in the modern day. COVID-19 has affected us all in a massive variety of ways: work-related stress, economic turmoil and the pressure of managing new regulations has been incredibly difficult to adapt to – understandably, many people are still trying to find their feet.

Social distancing has most definitely taken a toll. Remaining six feet away from those outside of your household group has entirely changed the way we do things; from the way we act in shops and workplaces to how we even must navigate an outside walk. Children across the nation have missed months of school, whilst many carers and NHS workers have had to move away from their loved ones in efforts to contain the spread.

What Are The Regulations?

The changes to our living environment have been among the most difficult regulations to uphold, especially for those in blocks of flats and living in close quarters to other residents. According to government health services, however, it is essential for everybody – including those in flats – to abide by standard distancing rules as strictly as possible.

These include: 

Social distancing by remaining at least 6 feet away from those you do not live with.

Wearing cloth face coverings in public, especially when around people who are not from your household. This recommendation is especially important when other social distancing measures are difficult to follow (such as staying 6 feet apart).

If necessary, trying to find someone in the block who will check on you and ensure you are still getting basic essentials.

What Measures are Being Taken for my Block?

Managing or living in a residential block during this time may be incredibly challenging for some. However, there are some ways that councils, Residents’ Management Companies, Residents’ Associations and Right to Mange Companies are trying to make it easier for residents. 

Some examples include:

Out-of-hours caretaking team: Some are ensuring that residential blocks of flats and apartments have an emergency cleaning service available out of hours.

Concierge service: Some concierge services are ensuring that social distancing rules are abided by within blocks, as well as providing visitors to the property with hand sanitiser to minimise the risk of germs.

Online support: Many residential services and management companies are offering online support for their residents in order to reduce the need for physical meetings.

If you feel that more could be done to reduce risk in your building, don’t be afraid to speak to your Property Manager, RMC director or fellow residents- everyone is on a learning curve and your concerns should be heard and resolved where ever possible. 

If you manage a block and want more information about how you can keep your residents and staff as safe as possible, a good place to start would be the ARMA Best Practise Guidelines for Property Managers as well as the up to date guidelines being published on the Government website.