On March 24, 2020, the DC Government published Mayor Bowser’s Order 2020-53, which directs certain types of businesses to close and directs other types of businesses to telework except for certain essential functions, which must occur on site. The Condominium and its staff are not included within the closure or telework order. The Condominium is defined as an Essential Business under Section IV(k) of the Order since It falls within the definition of a “Housing and Living Provider”. This permits the staff to come to and from work and perform all necessary business functions.
As an Essential Business, under Section III of the Order, the Association’s staff must practice social distancing on site, which it defines as follows:
a. Maintaining at least six (6) feet of distance from other individuals;
b. Washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds or using hand sanitizer frequently, or after contact with potentially-infected surfaces, to the greatest extent feasible;
c. Covering coughs or sneezes, preferably with a tissue immediately disposed of, or into the sleeve or elbow, not hands;
d. Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces; and
e. Not shaking hands.
The Order also reduces the number of people that can be gathered in one confined space in DC to 10 or less people.
As for your amenities, this Order does not mandate the closure of the gym or community room. That decision still remains within the discretion of the Board. Of course, if they are to remain open, you will be required to ensure that no more than ten people are in any facility within the building at any one time.