The sun is shining, the restrictions put in place to protect our communities from the spread of COVID-19 are slowly lessening; and we are ready for a ‘new’ normal to begin.

We are pleased to announce that Realstar is preparing to re-open property amenity spaces in accordance with our local, provincial and Federal government guidelines. Amenity spaces will be opened in phases as permitted. While we are excited and recognize the anticipation by residents, some amenities may open while others will remain closed as we work to safely open them. Your patience is appreciated.

In addition to the safety protocols we have become accustomed to, and in an effort to keep our residents and employees safe, when we open the amenity spaces we ask that you follow the protocols below:

	Gyms, pools, patios, social rooms and any other amenity space are to be used at your own risk.
	Guests will not be permitted in gyms, pools, patios, social rooms and any other amenity space until further notice.
	Residents will not use any amenity spaces if they are sick or required to self-isolate.
	Residents will maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet or 2 metres while using amenity spaces.
	Residents are encouraged to wear face masks when accessing and using amenity areas.
	Realstar will provide disinfectant spray and cleaning cloths in certain amenity spaces and residents are expected to clean gym equipment and barbeques after each use.
	Realstar will limit the number of occupants for each amenity space. The occupancy limits will be posted at the entrance to the area.
	Residents are required to wash or sanitize their hands before entering any amenity space.
	Amenity spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis and residents are asked to limit their time in the areas to no more than 60 minutes to allow other residents to use the space.
	Puzzles, books, pool cues, table tennis paddles and other items have been removed from all social rooms until further notice. Furniture will be removed from the pool area.
	Any abuse of the rules may result in the closing of the amenity space

It is through shared consideration for one another that we will continue to be able to enjoy community amenities.

For additional information related to the re-opening of amenity spaces, we encourage residents to check your resident portal and/or email or please connect with your on-site property management team. 

We thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we phase in the re-opening of our amenity spaces.

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The days are getting longer, the sun is starting to shine and the flowers beginning to sprout. As we welcome spring, we are also cautiously optimistic that some guidelines and laws surrounding COVID-19 may be relaxed. We would like to thank you all for all your efforts in maintaining physical distancing and following the recommendations of our local, provincial and Federal governments. These have been challenging times for us all. Realstar appreciates your understanding and cooperation in upholding the protocols currently in place.

Currently there is no change to the status of Realstar common areas within our apartment communities. Closures of all common areas and increased sanitation of high traffic areas remain in place to comply with laws and guidelines and as we work to prioritize the health and safety of our residents, employees and local communities.

We are tremendously grateful to our incredible on-site teams who continue to work diligently to keep our communities clean and safe and provide support to residents. To all of our amazing teams – Thank You!

While we look forward to brighter times where we can once again gather and celebrate together, we thank you for your resilience and ask that you continue to follow your community protocols, maintain physical distancing and ensure you are following all other recommended guidelines, including:

Wash your hands often with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds

Avoid shaking hands

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

Avoid close contact with people, especially those who are sick

Stay home if you are sick

Cough or sneeze into sleeve and not hands

If you believe you are infected or might have come into contact with COVID-19, you are encouraged to contact your health care provider immediately.

Everyone has been impacted by COVID-19 and efforts are in place to flatten the curve. It is important to remember we are all in this together and together we will get through it. Be kind to one another and be patient with your neighbours. It is equally as important to remember we are doing this to protect not only ourselves but the most vulnerable – particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. We continue to prudently work together with the well-being of the global community at heart.

The post Realstar Communities: Brighter Days Ahead appeared first on Realstar Blog.

The beauty about living through this mandated time of self-isolation is the countless online resources that are available to us.  Alleviate boredom and improve your well-being with a variety of resources that will keep you busy, challenge your brain, stay healthy and connected through COVID-19.

Entertainment

Does the COVID-19 pandemic have you feeling bored? Do you miss enjoying a bag of your favourite movie theatre popcorn or dressing up and taking in the latest musical? There are countless options available right now to keep you entertained all in the comfort of your own home:

• The Show Must Go On: Andrew Lloyd Webber offers free musicals to stream on YouTube 
• l'Orchestre classique de Montréal: 45-minute session streamed on Facebook 
• Netflix Party: new feature that are designed to connect long-distance friends, family, and neighbors 

Health/Fitness

While lounging across the couch in front of the tv has it’s time and place, there has never been a better time to become a fitness junkie. Here are some resources to keep you moving and staying healthy while waiting for the pandemic to pass:

• Core Power Yoga: Offering hour long classes and meditation 
• Barre 3: 15 Day at Home Challenge 
• Planet Fitness: Work-ins via YouTube 
• Pilates Anytime: 15 day trial – online, anytime 
• Pelaton: Extended 90 day trial! 

Education

Staying at home through COVID-19 may have confined us into our homes, but it has also provided us with an invaluable commodity – time. There’s never been a better time to learn a new skill, embrace a hobby or simply try something new with your family. Whether you are looking to read the newest best seller, develop your inner chef or simply looking to keep your mind sharp, below are some of the resources available:

• Learn to cook with industry leaders:
  • Chef Massimo Bottura hosts “Kitchen Quarantine” everyday at 3pm on his Instagram 
  • Milk Street Cooking School: Offering more than a dozen free online courses 
  • America’s Test Kitchen: 3 week trial 
• Read (or listen) to free books:
  • Audiable is offering a 30 day free trial and 30% off any books after 

The post Staying Healthy, Entertained and Learning through COVID-19 – Digitally appeared first on Realstar Blog.