Columbia Housing's Actions to Address Coronavirus Concerns

Columbia, SC -- From the desk of Interim Executive Director, Ivory N. Mathews. Although the risk of exposure to the coronavirus remains low for Columbia Housing's residents and employees, Columbia Housing is taking the following precautionary steps to help prevent the spread of any respiratory viruses, including the flu and coronavirus. These actions are in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Hand sanitizer stations will be placed in the following locations:
• Headquarter & all Lobby Areas throughout our portfolio
• Reception Areas
• Administrative Offices
• Conference Rooms
• High-rise Buildings (Arrington Manor, Marion Street, Oak Reid, Rosewood)
• Tillis Center
• Any other areas deemed appropriate

• Disinfecting wipes will be distributed to Conference Rooms, Administrative Offices, Reception Areas; and any other areas deemed appropriate.

• Columbia Housing's janitorial services contractor is disinfecting common areas and surfaces throughout Columbia Housing's headquarters at 1917 Harden Street, including elevator buttons, door handles, and faucets, and is communicating with the CDC for any guidance on additional recommendations for cleaning procedures.

• Disposable gloves and pocket-size hand sanitizer dispensers will be ordered and distributed to inspectors, maintenance technicians, and Columbia Housing's staff who perform home visits in the course of their job responsibilities.

• Employees who are ill are encouraged to stay home.

• Employees and residents are encouraged to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; if soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

Columbia Housing is not ordering or providing facemasks at this time because the CDC specifically does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including the disease caused by the coronavirus. In addition, the U.S. Surgeon General posted a tweet on February 29 that said, "STOP BUYING MASKS! They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, ..."

It is important to note that, according to the CDC, as of Monday, March 2: "At this time, however, most people in the United States will have little immediate risk of exposure to this virus. This virus is NOT currently spreading widely in the United States."

As this situation continues to evolve, please know that Columbia Housing's Senior Leadership Team is meeting on an ongoing basis and evaluating options to maintain resident and employee safety, which is our top priority. The CDC's guidance for businesses and employers is an important part of these discussions.

Columbia Housing will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

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