CORONAVIRUS: LIVING AT HOME

We are living through very challenging times on so many levels which can seem overwhelming however you are far from alone. The whole of the world is pretty much in the same stage of adjustment.

Alamo has set up several ways for urgent repairs to be carried out. There is no immediate solution to follow but staying at home is deemed the best prescribed way of slowing down the spread of contagion. Most importantly members should not feel that they are vulnerable due to financial difficulties that may have been forced on to them. Alamo will support the whole membership through each individual member in every way possible. the implications on daily lives are changing rapidly and adapting is not so much a choice as a collectively responsibility and everyone has their role to play, in looking after themselves and those around them, be it in their building, or other members and neighbours in the street. Through a collective sense of neighbourly care those that may need immediate assistance can be identified and helped in practical ways. The office may not always be manned but support for members will be available and will have to rely on members to raise an alert when they become aware someone needs help.

Working from home and self-isolation is going to throw up all sorts of issues that many of us have not had to confront previously. The whole of your building in full occupation will mean some adjustments will have to be made and with consideration and patience being needed by all. Common sense and tolerance will allow everyone to get along. So, if people are working from home be, they in a flat below you, or above, or the building next door, playing your music loudly all day would be unfair. All conversions suffer some extent of noise seepage and this should be considered when watching films all night. Smoking, if you don’t have the luxury of a garden then please ventilate your flat very well or the smoke will impact on the rest of the building which would not be reasonable. No one is perfect, so don’t get stressed about things just think about your actions in your property and how they may be affecting those around you.

Setting up whatsapp groups are a very good idea and I imagine some of you already have. You could set one up within the building or you could just text each other and say hello. Those that you know whom have some health issues might appreciate if you were to get them some shopping, or electric for their charge key, or maybe just a conversation even if it is through a wooden door. Although communal hallways are not to be overused or as a meeting area, or a gym area, but as a thoroughfare only. They should be kept well ventilated too.

We had hoped to supply every building with cleaning products to clean the obvious touch points in the shared hallways, but supplies are restricted to one or two products per person and there wasn’t the time to purchase daily. Alamo has ordered A supply of products, but deliver is not until the first week of April. On receipt we will agree how to have the product applied to each building. In the meantime, the members in each building could purchase a supply of cleaning fluids and cloths or wipes and Alamo will reimburse the costs. Cleaning the touch points which are Street door handles, Flat door handles, light switches, intake (electric) cupboard doors, and handrails. The advice on cleaning is to wear rubber disposable gloves and even an apron if possible. When throwing away cleaning material what ever they be, so microfiber cloths or wipes, and gloves they should be double bagged and set aside for 72 hours before they are placed into the main bins for collection. This is to prevent any way for potential pathogens getting disturbed form the main street bin and out into the environment locally. Please do not throw any cleaning materials such as wipes into the toilets or you will block up the drains in your building which is the last thing that is needed at this very time.

Self-Isolating/contracting the virus, or just staying at home as is the government advise. This may be difficult and frustrating, but there are things that you can do to help make it easier. These are guidelines so please do share any tips you have that might be useful.

PLEASE LET THE OFFICE KNOW IF YOU HAVE CONTRACTED THE VIRUS SO WE MAY ASSIST.

  • plan ahead and think about what you will need in order to be able to stay at home for the full 7 or 14 days in a row.
  • talk to neighbours, or friends to ask for their help to access the things you will need to make your stay at home a success
  • think about and plan how you can get access to food and other supplies such as medications that you will need during this period
  • ask friends or neighbours to drop off anything you need or order supplies online, but make sure these are left outside your home for you to collect
  • make sure that you keep in touch with people around you over the phone or through social media
  • think about things you can do during your time at home. People who have successfully completed a period of staying at home have kept themselves busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films
  • many people find it helpful to plan out the full 14 days, such as on a make-shift calendar. You may also find it helpful to plan in advance what you will do if, for example, someone in the household were to feel much worse, such as have difficulties breathing when you are feeling better, remember that physical exercise can be good for your wellbeing. Look for online classes or courses that can help you take light exercise in your home

I appreciate that everyone is worried on many levels, and as I have said, on that point you are not alone. In looking after yourself and keeping a friendly caring, and a not intrusive interest in those around you the membership may find themselves living in a preferable position than many others in this city and beyond.

Please do contact the office at any time via email; housing.officer@alamoco-op.org, or text 07931771737 or call on any matter and we will assist where ever possible.

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