COVID-19: Essential Preparedness Steps for Estate Managers
Information as of 19 March 2020
Disclaimer: This report represents work derived from various sources. The information contained herein is the best available to Red Five Security, LLC (Red Five) in the open source arena on short notice. However, it may be based in part on information provided by third party sources. Therefore, Red Five accepts no liability for the accuracy or integrity of the information. The condition of the information mentioned in this report may change at any time. The report is intended for the exclusive use of the addressee and is intended for informational purposes only. This report may not be used in a legal proceeding without the permission of Red Five.
Estate Managers play an essential role in ensuring their employer, the residence, and other staff are prepared for the potential spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) have issued guidance on best practices for sanitizing common spaces, limiting unnecessary contact, and preparing for potential cases of COVID-19 within the family or staff.
Red Five recommends that Estate Managers and other staff on the property implement the following measures to mitigate the potential of contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others, per CDC and WHO guidance.
Communication
- Ensure cooperation and clear communication between the family and residential staff as information about the virus continues to evolve;
- Stay informed about the spread of COVID-19 cases in your local area and guidance or restrictions issued by your local authorities, the CDC, and WHO;
- Ensure there is a staffing plan in place in case of quarantine at the residence, both for staff who live on the property and those who commute to the property; and
- Discuss with the family that they should determine if and when it is most logical to keep young children from attending school.
Hygiene
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, particularly after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or being out in public and after touching highly touched surfaces, such as tables, counters, doorknobs and handles, elevator buttons, faucet handles, and phones;
- Conduct routine cleanings of frequently touched areas and surfaces, such as those mentioned above, in the residence and around the property on a daily basis, at a minimum;
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose, especially with unwashed hands; and
- Keep hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in the family’s vehicles and encourage them to use it each time they enter the vehicle.
Equipment and Supplies
- Encourage the family to obtain extra supply of any necessary medications in case they need to stay home for a prolonged period of time;
- Stock up on non-perishable foods and water for the family and residence staff, and ensure enough is available to last a 14-day quarantine period without leaving the property;
- Stock up on cleaning supplies, including disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, toilet paper, and paper towels;
- Ensure the residence is equipped with medical supplies to treat flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, and a runny nose;
- Consider ways to have food delivered to the property on a routine basis, should the property be under quarantine; and
- Ensure the generator is supplied with fuel, if applicable, so it is available in the event of another emergency such as a snowstorm, a thunderstorm, or a power failure.
Guests and Visitors
Estate Managers should discuss how the family intends to limit exposure from guests and visitors to the property, including the following areas of consideration:
- Be vigilant about meeting with guests who may have recently traveled and come in contact with COVID-19;
- Consider asking basic screening questions of all guests before they are granted access to the property, including any recent travel or symptoms of illness;
- Consider limiting family contact with the elderly—including parents and grandparents—as they are among the most vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and have a significantly lower recovery rate; and
- Consider isolating packages and deliveries in a garage or other sequestered space for 20 hours prior to bringing them inside the residence, as COVID-19 is believed to remain on surfaces for up to 20 hours.
Response to Illness
In the event one of the family begins to feel ill, they may consider identifying a bedroom and bathroom for that person to primarily use, and ensure the rooms are located away from highly frequented areas of the residence. The room should be one that is easy to clean and has fewer fabrics and soft surfaces, per CDC guidance. These efforts will help limit the spread of the illness to other family members and staff.
- Encourage the family to consult their doctor if feeling ill, and encourage staff to stay home if feeling ill.
- The CDC recommends that anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or an inability to arouse, and/or bluish lips or face immediately go to the hospital.
