Section 1: Reopening Indiana
A. About Reopening Indiana
On May 1, Governor Holcomb unveiled the state’s five stage plan to reopening as Indiana’s stay-at-home order expired. While much of the state will begin phase two, Marion and Lake counties will be extending stay-at-home orders until May 15 and Cass County until May 18. It is important to note that these stages could be delayed if a spike in COVID-19 infections occurs. Below, IAA has broken down the most relevant details to our industry based on each stage’s date.
B. Stage 2: Beginning May 4
Office Settings:
Commercial Business:
C. Stage 3: Beginning May 24
Office Settings:
Commercial Business:
D. Stage 4: Beginning June 13-14
Office Settings:
Commercial Business:
E. Stage 5: Beginning July 4
F. Pool Guidance
G. Gyms & Fitness Centers
Section 2: Returning to Work
A. OSHA Guidance: Returning to Work
See below for guidance and considerations when returning to work.
B.CDC Guidance for Reopening
Guidance for Congregate Housing
Reopening Guidance
Cleaning & Disinfecting Guidance
Public Health Recommendations
C. Returning to Work Considerations
NEW! D. Indiana Safety Plan Sample
NEW! E. Sample Infectious Disease Plan
F. PPE Marketplace
G. Teleworking Resources
H. Best Practices: Transitioning Employees Back into the Workplace
Section 3: Federal Updates
A. CARES Act Analysis
B. Federal Laws Prompted By COVID-19
C. Guidance on Essential Workers During COVID-19
On March 28, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, issued an “Advisory Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response.” The memorandum contains an updated “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” advisory list that identifies workers who perform operations and services essential to protecting state and local communities and ensuring continuity in critical functions. On page 15, the guidance calls out “Residential/Shelter Facilities and Services,” specifically identifying as essential:
On March 22, the National Apartment Association (NAA) and the National Multifamily Housing Council urged CISA to update their guidance to specifically identify the critical roles played by residential property management staff and residential construction teams.
The updated CISA memorandum notes that the list is purely advisory and not a federal directive or standard. It also emphasizes that the list is not exclusive and that individual jurisdictions should add or subtract essential workforce categories based on their own requirements. To that end, NAA continues to urge its affiliates to reach out to their state and local governments to ensure that the apartment industry is declared essential during any shelter-in-place declarations. To date, many affiliates have been successful in this advocacy and our hope is that this updated guidance from CISA will aid in those efforts.
D. FHFA Offers Mortgage Relief for Multifamily Property Owners
On March 23, The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Enterprises will offer mortgage forbearance for multifamily property owners, under the condition that they suspend all evictions for renters who are unable to pay rent because of COVID-19, also known as “coronavirus.”
To be eligible, property owners must suspend evictions for as long as the owner remains in forbearance. Forbearance is available only for multifamily housing properties with an “Enterprise-backed performing multifamily mortgage” that is financially impacted by coronavirus.
We will continue to update you as FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac release information about implementation of this decision. For owners who believe they qualify, contact your loan servicer to learn more about the process to seek relief.
E. Business Interruption Insurance
F. HUD Notice on Foreclosures and Evictions
On March 18, the White House announced a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions. This announcement only applies to single family mortgages. Click here to view the HUD Notice.
G. HUD Responses on Disruptions Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
HUD released a formal statement on March 13, 2020, clarifying an official response statement regarding COVID-19. An updated Q&A document was also updated and posted to HUD’s website.
The following clarifications and confirmations were made:
Section 4: State Updates
A. Indiana Public Health Emergency Update
On May 1, Governor Holcomb extended the public health emergency 30 more days or until June 4, 2020. Meaning, the statewide eviction moratorium continues until at least June 4, 2020. IAA has sent countless messages to the governor’s office pleading for an exception to that moratorium for emergency possessory orders. Clearly, the governor does not wish to make that exception.
On March 19, Governor Holcomb announced new measures to protect and support Hoosiers during the COVID-19 outbreak by signing executive orders that extend the closure of schools, provide economic relief and protections for individuals and businesses, and expand unemployment insurance benefits for those impacted by job loss.
The Governor also extended the state’s public health emergency 30 days from the April 5 expiration to May 5.Click here to view his list of new measures. The following items were important to our industry:
B. IHCDA Memos on Inspection and Monitoring Policies
In response to concerns related to COVID-19,IHCDA is implementing the following policies:
IHCDA continues to monitor the situation with COVID-19 in Indiana as circumstances change and additional information becomes available. To provide transparency and customer service, IHCDA will update these RED Notices with any updates to policies or procedures
C. Critical Industries Hotline
Governor Holcomb announced that he will open a call center to field industry questions about Executive Order 20-08, which provides for essential and non-essential business operations, infrastructure and government functions while the state observes a stay-at-home order from March 25-May 1. This center, reachable by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov, is for business and industry questions only.
Section 5: COVID-19 Resource Links
A. Indiana State Department of Health
Please consult the ISDH for updated news and guidance on the COVID-19 virus as it related to Indiana. Click here to be directed to the ISDH website.
B. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
The CDC has various guidelines and resources for your use.
C. Occupational Safety & Health Administration
OSHA has issued guidelines and standards in regard to COVID-19
D. National Multifamily Housing Council
As the home to millions of Americans, apartment communities across the country must take the responsibility of emergency preparedness seriously. Click here to be directed to the NMHC’s resource guide for emergency preparedness.
E. U.S Department of Labor
The Wage and Hour Division provides information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, and its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Click here for Fact Sheets, FAQ’s and more.
G. Fannie Mae Loan Look Up + Forbearance Eligibility
Fannie Mae’s Loan Lookup tool helps you quickly determine if Fannie Mae owns your loan, which may be helpful to know your options by checking here first. Click here to visit the website. In addition, click here to view a letter issued by Merchants Capital stating forbearance eligibility and requirements for Fannie Mae borrowers.
H. Freddie Mac Loan Look Up
To understand the options available for getting help with your mortgage it’s important for you to know who owns your loan. Click here to use the secured look-up tool so you can quickly find out if Freddie Mac owns your loan.
I. State-By-State Reopening Guide
The US Chamber of Commerce recently launched an interactive guide to help track states reopening guidelines for businesses. Click here to view the interactive guide.
Section 6: Communication Templates
A. Model Policy – COVID-19 Exceptions
B. Coronavirus Renter Resources FAQ
C. Click & Lease COVID-19 Forms
D. Sample Lease Addendum for Payment of Rent
E. Sample Late Rent Notice
F. Subsequent Lease – Delinquent Payment Plan Addendum
G. Resident FAQ for On-site Staff
Other Archived Templates
*The IAA website does not contain medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized or general medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
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