NAA Offers Guidance and Resources on Ebola Outbreak

Last week, after the third confirmed case of Ebola was reported in Texas, the National Apartment Association (NAA) released an updated guidance with resources for members and residents for dealing with the Ebola virus.

In its statement, the NAA acknowledged that “the outbreak of the Ebola virus is an unprecedented health situation for the United States due to the severity of the disease, even though officials have said there is an extremely low likelihood of contracting Ebola unless there is direct and unprotected contact with the bodily fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola.”

Emphasizing that the CDC and other qualified health officials should be the main source of up-to-date information on Ebola, the NAA shared some general precautionary guidance from officials and added some common-sense guidelines to promote a proper amount of caution at this time. Among other things, NAA recommends:

• When you learn a resident has been diagnosed with Ebola (or any infectious disease), do not direct janitorial or maintenance staff to the apartment. Immediately notify the local health department for guidance regarding appropriate measures to be taken by maintenance staff.
• Remain mindful that health concerns are not a reason to violate fair housing laws. If you have any concerns, contact your local health officials.
• If you receive media calls, refer them to local health officials and the CDC, who are better qualified to answer their questions at this time, and contact NAA for further guidance.

For more information, visit NAA’s website at www.naahq.org, where communities can find detailed questions and answers on dealing with the Ebola virus. The NAA, which is monitoring the developing situation, will update its website with new information as it becomes available.

Source: National Apartment Association