Social Distancing Tips and Reminders for New York Residents

Help to prevent the spread of coronavirus by continuing to wear a mask to retrieve mail, packages, or take a walk in or around the community association. Even if you think that you will not be near other residents, it is prudent to have a mask on hand in the event that a common area is crowded.

Thank your superintendent, porters, board members, property managers, etc.. Be patient with building employees who are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of your community.

While noise is a common complaint in community associations, regardless of outside factors, try to be especially considerate in regard to your noise levels. Everyone is staying in their homes for extended periods of time, which understandably creates more noise in communities at all hours of the day. All residents should keep noise down, particularly during late or early hours in the day.

Do you have a neighbor who is a first-responder? Send them a virtual E-card to express gratitude.
Continue to social distance and stay home as government officials direct us all to do so! All members of the community should do their part in reducing the spread of coronavirus.
Please remember to adhere to any policies in place as a result of the virus. Your property manager and/or Board of Directors has set forth specific guidelines to keep your community safe. Contact your Property Manager for updates or if you are not sure what those rules are.
If you choose to socialize on the lawns in warmer weather, please wear a mask and socially distance from neighbors to prevent the virus from spreading within the community.

Disregard your governing document’s policies. For example, home alterations still require Board approval, and in some cases will need to be postponed due to the current circumstances. Check with your property manager to find out when alterations will be permitted again.

Throw gloves, masks, and other objects on the community grounds or common areas of your Cooperative, Condominium, or Homeowner’s Association. It is a health risk to others, but it is also an eye-sore.
Flush items other than toilet paper down your toilet or drains.

Start an unapproved or prohibited garden in common areas.
Smoke in a non-smoking community, or smoke (smoking of all kind) in areas where it is prohibited.

Disregard trash policies in common areas like trash rooms or dumpsters.
Trespass on a rooftop that would otherwise be prohibited to access by a shareholder or owner. As always, roof access is not allowed, unless there is a clearly allocated common area indicated (which would likely be closed if there’s a risk of spreading the virus).

Not pick up after your pets when going for a walk around your community.
Go on the roof of your building to get fresh air. This is prohibited at all times unless there is a specific amenity or common area explicitly labeled and listed in your governing documents.

You have tested positive for Coronavirus. We will never disclose your name or unit to the community. It is imperative that we know who has tested positive in the community so that we can keep the community safe. Your property manager and superintendent/porter (if applicable) can help to coordinate deliveries and any needs you may have.
You experience any building-related emergencies (i.e.– heat or A/C issues, hot water issues, leaks, pests, etc.) while you are staying home. We are still accepting work orders, but please bear in mind that we can only address emergencies at this time in order to protect our staff and residents.

Residents can continue to contact our office and team members by phone, email, Facebook message, or contact form.

Participate in our recipe swap! We are collecting recipes from all of our New York residents, which are on our website. All neighbors are invited to participate by submitting a recipe or by using one of the options listed!

Enjoy some virtual flowers, or take a walk around your Co-op, Condo or H.O.A. (while staying 6 feet apart from neighbors and wearing a mask if you cannot stay 6 feet apart).

Are you tech-savvy? Try hosting a video chat get-together with your neighbors, family, or friends. Get creative; just be sure to practice social distancing. Host a virtual happy hour, or host a virtual game night.

Do your household cleaning and tasks to your favorite album or to Broad way show tunes.
Start a new hobby such as baking or learning to play a new instrument.
Get creative for Halloween and Fall!

Sew masks and donate them to your local hospital (if they are participating). There is a great Facebook group on Long Island that is devoted to this cause called “Stitched Together Long Island”.

Do you have a neighbor who works in the healthcare industry? Send them your gratitude by sending them a meal, or get a few neighbors to help and send meals to a local hospital. A few local Long Island Moms did this, and the kind act goes a long way!
Ask your superintendent or porter if they need anything. This will go a long way and will not go unappreciated!

While there may be supply shortages, it is critical not to mix these household cleaning chemicals.
Continue to follow local news officials and advice from the CDC. We post general health updates form the CDC regularly on what New York residents should know about coronavirus.