COVID-19 Resources & Update

As you may have noticed, I have not blogged about COVID-19 much these past few months. This was an intentional decision based on a number of factors. The situation was evolving so quickly that it seemed like my advice was changing almost daily at times depending on the recent statistics, public health recommendations, emergency orders, and the law. I did not want to confuse or mislead people who might be reading the blog weeks or months later. Also, some people reported feeling overwhelmed by the number of articles, blog posts, and webinars on the topic. I felt it was unnecessary to add to the stress when so many others were doing such a great job publishing information about the subject. I am still frequently asked about COVID-19 resources for condominiums and owners, so today I am going to provide a list of some of the available resources. Disclaimer: If you are looking for public health information or statistics, you should start with your local public health department, your provincial or territorial health authority, or Health Canada. Nothing on this website is intended to provide medical or health advice.  If you are looking for information about legal rights and duties for condominiums, residents, owners, and managers, I suggest that you try one of these great resources: Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI) CCI has chapters across the country with resources on COVID-19 related issues. Did you know that CCI-National has a resource centre with many of the resources listed in a single location?  You should definitely check it out! For instance, you can find videos and articles on cleaning protocols, fire safety during the pandemic, the sale of units during the pandemic, liens during the pandemic, and more. You can access the Resource Centre on the CCI National website. Each of the local chapters has its own resources for its members and the general public as well. For instance, CCI-Grand River Chapter has a new tab on its website entitled COVID-19 Resources. You can find a guide, blog posts, and videos on the topic. (Inserting shameless plug: look for my upcoming video on virtual meetings later this month). You can also find a list of about 20 websites (mostly condo professionals) with advice for condominiums during these unusual times. Many of these are my go-to blogs to keep informed about the latest news and changes. CAO & CMRAO Both the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) and the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CMRAO) have plenty of resources on their websites. For example, the CMRAO has a useful guide entitled Reopening Ontario After Covid-19: A Guide for Condominium Managers. It is available at www.cmrao.ca/resources/. Similarly, the CAO has resources to assist condominiums with the temporary amendments to the Act with respect to owners' meetings and board meetings during the pandemic and other issues, like liens during the pandemic. ACMO  The Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO) has some great resources and news updates for condominium managers, including updates on the various legislative changes and emergency orders, resources to prevent transmission in the workplace, and news about the planned reopening of the province. It is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the information available on the topic. Remember to disconnect, recharge your batteries (literally and figuratively), and get ready for the next day...even if it is another one from home in your sweatpants.