COVID-19 Strategic Action Framework: Vulnerable Residential Buildings

Page updated on January 6, 2022 at 12:32 PM
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This document is congruent with Alexandria Health Department’s (AHD) Strategic Action Framework and is one of a series of frameworks outlining AHD’s COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Mission

Support Alexandria’s senior housing and vulnerable residential buildings in infection control, outbreak prevention, and mitigation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Goal

Prevent COVID-19 infections in both staff and residents to reduce illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Vulnerable Residential Buildings, Defined

Apartment buildings, duplexes, or townhomes that serve populations:

  • At high-risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as seniors
  • In crowded conditions, such as low-income families
  • In neighborhoods with high rates of confirmed COVID-19 infections

Key Context

This is a living document and changes will be made based on updates in public health’s understanding of COVID-19, updated CDC and VDH guidance, and AHD resources and prioritizations. 

Strategy/Tactics

1. Share resources and information about best practices to stop the spread

  • Send frequent communications (emails) to property managers with guidance and suggested signage to post
  • Participate in telephone or virtual townhalls to answer staff and resident questions
  • Collaborate with HOAs, civic associations, property managers, Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, and senior ambassadors to disseminate information about COVID-19, medical care options, and how to access basic needs, particularly for those who are low-income.
  • Assess whether point prevalence surveys and/or targeted testing would be appropriate to inform further infection control measures.

2. Determine use of infection control measures

  • Identify priority buildings based on vulnerability of residents
  • Deploy Infection Prevention Coaches to conduct on-site assessments with property managers.
  • Consult with cleaning staff to assess cleaning and disinfecting processes.
  • Talk with residents to identify commonly used spaces and routines that could spread infection.

3. Work with building staff to utilize best practices

  • Develop infection control recommendations based on assessments.
  • Support and guide cleaning staff and property managers as they adopt new measures.

4. Support the alteration of building conditions to encourage healthy behaviors

  • Research best practices for environmental-building measures that improve infection control
  • Coordinate with property managers and the City of Alexandria to implement building improvements for healthier conditions if deemed appropriate.