CLARK BARS UPDATE - MARCH 18TH 2020
Clark & Walker, P.C. - Attorneys at Law
Frequently Asked Questions for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
By: Christopher R. Walker
Arizona Multi-housing Operations
Date: March 18, 2020
On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a national emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. In the days that followed several jurisdictions have sought to limit the ability of people to congregate and some have sought to have residents shelter in place.
The cities of Phoenix and Flagstaff have issued similar orders limiting the ability to patron restaurants and bars, with Phoenix mandating the closure of all dining rooms and bars, effective 8:00 P.M. on March 17, 2020.
In this climate there are an ever growing number of questions. The Firm has prepared the following frequently asked questions to assist clients in this difficult and uncertain time:
1. What are the symptoms and complications of COVID-19?
Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Complications include secondary bacterial pneumonia, respiratory failure and death.
2. How is COVID-19 Spread?
The virus is thought to spread person-to-person via respiratory droplets that are produced when someone infected with the virus coughs or sneezes. This can occur from direct contact with the droplets or from fomite transmission. For more information please visit
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
3. Can a community close the leasing office?
Many businesses are being faced with this difficult decision. The CDC and local and state governments have recommended that in-person contact be avoided to the greatest extent possible. With the goal being less in-person communication, properties can limit the hours of their leasing/business center or close the center entirely to the public and its residents. If your company decides to close the office you must make sure that there are alternate means of communication available to your residents in the event of a maintenance emergency. Further, you must ensure that the closure of the office does not impede the payment of monthly rent. Drop boxes should be utilized as well as online payment methods to accommodate tenants while the office is closed.
Please be advised that cities of Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson have issued orders closing down all restaurants, bars, and theaters. The mayors of each of the above-mentioned cities have recommended places of gathering be closed until further notice. Landlords should heed to the warnings of these cities during this pandemic.