Notification for tenants and service providers regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic

The government has stated that based on the World Health Organization’s declaration that this is a public health emergency of international concern, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate regarding the Coronavirus.

Whilst the number of cases in the UK still remains low and we must keep this in mind, this rise in the risk highlights the importance of planning ahead. Services to properties must be maintained with as little disruption to everyday business activity as possible, but we must ensure that we are prepared to take action to reduce any risk to tenants and workers alike.

Adequate resources need to be in place to minimise the spread should there be an outbreak, and procedures should be planned in and communicated so that all relevant parties are aware of the situation.

We believe it is important that discussions take place between tenants, contractors, visitors and the managing agent, and that, where appropriate, procedures are implemented, such as:

• Anyone who displays symptoms will be instructed not to attend site. This includes site contractors, site staff and any visitors
• Each individual site needs to put in place its own procedures to ensure that both tenants and key personnel can be contacted in the event of a positive diagnosis, thus enabling tenants to implement their own procedures
• Hand sanitiser gel dispensers may be placed within receptions and/or toilet areas, along with signage that needs to be displayed to encourage use

At RM we are continuing to monitor updates from the government and local authorities. We know that taking any action may not be necessary until the UK Chief Medical Officer instructs, but we encourage everyone to be prepared well in advance just in case.

For further guidance and advice that may assist tenants and site contractors in formulating their own procedures, please visit the government website.