How P.E.I. apartment buildings are keeping tenants apart

Some P.E.I. apartment building owners say they've taken measures to ensure their tenants respect physical distancing rulesand don't get too close to one another.

Mark Kenney, the president of CAPREIT which rents out 1,000 apartment units in 15 buildingsacross P.E.I. saidthere are obstacles to overcome, particularly in buildings with dozens of tenantsand several common areas.

"The challenge in apartment buildings is they're small communities that are quite close together," said Kenney.

"So for us, it's how to educate and try to manage our communitymembers, in such a way that they don't put themselves or neighbours at risk."

Kenney said all common spaceexcept laundry roomsin CAPREIT's apartment buildings have been closed off.

No more than four people are allowed in laundry rooms at one time and there's a maximum of two people allowedin elevators.

Kenney said there are also signsaround the buildings remindingtenants to stay at least two metres apart at all times.

"And we've doubled our cleaning hours, to make sure that our lobbies, our laundry rooms, our elevators, our common areas, are cleaned up multiple times a day," Kenney said.

No visitors unless 'absolutely necessary'

KillamProperties, which rents out 1,100 units in 21 buildings on P.E.I., has taken similarsteps.

Dan Sampson, the company's director of property management, saidone of the aims isto limit traffic throughout the buildingsso those who have to leavecan have their space.

"We're also discouraging anybody visiting the building unless it absolutely necessary," said Sampson.

"We have signage posted on the doors of all of our buildingsadvising people not to visit tenants unless it's absolutely necessary for a health reason, or they have an elderly parent that needs some assistance."

No positive cases

Both Killam and CAPREIT saidthe measures appear to be working.

"The buildings have been very quiet," said Sampson.

Both companies saidto date, there haven't been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongtheirtenants on P.E.I. that they are aware of.

Sampson saidto his understandingeven if there are casesthat shouldn't have animpact on other tenants or building regulations.

"If they follow proper protocols, stay within their unit, don't interact with the public at any time, I think that should be fine.That's what we're hearing," he said.

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.

  But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.

  Health Canada has built aself-assessment tool.

  What should I do if I feel sick?

  Isolate yourself and call 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. A health professional at 811 will give you advice and instructions.

  How can I protect myself?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Clean regularly touched surfaces regularly.

• Practisephysical distancing.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on thefederal government's website.

More COVID-19 stories from CBC P.E.I.