Expanding the types of work performed in NYCHA apartments
Dear Residents, ??
Since the?beginning?of the COVID-19 pandemic,?we have modified our policies in accordance with guidance provided by?the City’s Health Department?as well as Executive Orders and other mandated protocols issued by our State and local officials and federal partners.??
In the coming weeks and months, we will begin expanding the work that NYCHA employees will perform inside of residents’ apartments, while?we?further enhance?our safety protocols across the Authority.??
As you know, we have been?responding to?–?and?will?continue to respond to?– emergency?work orders,?including:?
- No hot water conditions, water leaks, gas leaks, stoppages, electrical issues, interior rat infestations, and hazardous conditions;?
- Mold inspections and, if mold conditions are found, the necessary remediation and repair work?(except painting);??
- Lead?inspection and remediation work;?
- Gas leaks, stove or refrigerators that are out of order, gas smell, no gas and limited repairs;?
- No power in?the?entire apartment, partial power impacting kitchens or bathrooms, no electrical power to life-sustaining equipment, flooding conditions, cabinets falling off walls, stoppages, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors not working, window guards that are?missing/loose, apartment doors?not working;?and?
- In-unit?emergency extermination work?for mice, rats, roaches,?and bed bugs.?
In the weeks ahead, we plan to?expand?work and repairs?beyond emergencies.??
As we enter this next phase, NYCHA employees will ask residents three health screening questions over the telephone prior to the appointment or at the door?before?entering the apartment:?
- “Will you maintain?six?feet distance while work in your apartment is being performed?”?
- “Will you and all other occupants wear a face covering while work is being performed in your apartment?”?
- “Does anyone in the household have a fever, cough,?or shortness of breath,?or confirmed to have been infected with coronavirus?”?
Staff performing work in apartments will wear a face covering such as a surgical/dust mask.?All residents over the age of 2 must wear a face covering?for the duration of the time NYCHA staff are working in the apartment, unless they isolate themselves in a separate room with the door closed or leave the apartment while work is being performed. Staff will bring extra masks to?distribute to residents, if needed.?If a?resident refuses?to maintain a distance of at least six feet and/or refuses to wear a face covering during the course of the work, staff will leave the unit and reschedule the appointment.?If a resident is not feeling well, and the appointment is not an emergency, staff will leave the unit and reschedule the appointment.?
After a NYCHA employee enters a unit, they will define a work area, advise the resident of the work area, and adhere to strict occupancy requirements within that?work area based on the size of the room where the repair is being conducted. Residents and other occupants will not be permitted in the work area for the duration of the work.?
Staff may open a window within the unit to increase ventilation during the repair.?
Prior to and after completing work within an apartment, staff will use cleaning and disinfection supplies to wipe down any common surfaces touched during the completion of the work order.?
In the coming weeks, we will continue to keep you informed regarding the expanded work that can be conducted in occupied units.?
Residents may contact the CCC at 718-707-7771 with any questions. Your health and safety?is?our number one priority. We are proud to serve you every day, and especially during this time of crisis.??
Thank you,?
Greg Russ?
Chair & Chief Executive Officer?
Vito Mustaciuolo?
General Manager?