In this November edition of our HUD-REAC Blog, I will be discussing REAC’s updated COVID-19 protocol to date as well as important information that you should know!
- HUD recently came out with a clear, informative FAQ that covers questions raised by public housing, project-based section 8, servicing mortgagees, housing financing agencies, and current/future REAC inspectors. You can find the FAQ here: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/REAC_Inspection_FAQs_final.pdf
- HUD also posted an Inspector Notice 2020-01 as guidance for current REAC inspectors here: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/COVID19InspectionProtocolNotice2020-01.pdf
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Elderly designated (or 51% or more elderly populated) properties are exempt from inspections until further notice!
- Public Housing is exempt from inspection (and PHAS scores) with Fiscal Years ending 12/31/20 unless they specifically opt in for inspection (10 have opted in so far).
- All REAC inspectors will be tested for COVID-19 monthly – there is discussion to mandate every 15 days
- All REAC inspectors are required to wear gloves, masks, and use hand sanitizer as well as social distance
- If any resident is currently COVID-19 positive on inspection day – the inspection can be cancelled or the other 4 inspectable areas (other than units) can be inspected.
- If reported Covid-19 cases are limited to one or more dwellings on either scheduling call or follow up call and all parties do not agree to continue with inspecting the other 4 inspectable areas – the inspection is cancelled.
- If the POA/PHA* refuses to wear PPE – the inspection is cancelled
- Only 1 POA/PHA Escort permitted to go with the inspector in units
*POA = Property/Owner/Agent
*PHA = Public Housing Agency
*PPE = Personal Protective Equipment
CRITERIA
- To keep the residents and staff of HUD properties safe during the inspection process, REAC will prioritize inspections in states and localities based on the latest COVID-19 data from Johns Hopkins University and health risk scoring methodology from the Harvard Global Health Institute. REAC has developed a heat map that categorizes states and localities into four risk categories:
- The color-coded map above is listed on HUD’s website: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/reac
- If you click anywhere on the map, a color-coded breakdown of each county within each state will automatically download in Excel format.
- The county list is updated weekly on Sundays.
- Inspectors will prioritize properties with historically low REAC scores (high-risk properties) in Low Risk (Green) localities.
- In order to schedule a REAC inspection, the property must be located in a county that has been Low Risk (Green) for 6 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.