COVID-19: Behind the Scenes at Pun Hlaing Estate Docuseries Part 1 #StaySafeYangon
By Jonathan Hegarty, Brenda Hobin, Win Pa Pa Myo @ Grace & Myint Zu Win Han @ Michelle, Aung Aung Oo, Stephen Chick
LIVE UPDATE
Source: World Health Organization
"Being well prepared is critical in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and minimising impact should an outbreak occur. From our governments and health systems, to the personal responsibility of each individual, we all must maintain a state of readiness and ability to act. Property managers inherently have a high standard of responsibility, but especially in uncertain times there are many people who rely on us as leaders to keep them safe and protect their interests. From employees, to owners, investors, residents, and tenants, there are several aspects of preparedness, business operations, and communication needed to address each one of these stakeholders when faced with the threat of a pandemic. The single most important action to take is to plan now." - IREM Pandemic Guide for Real Estate Managers, Mar 2020
We take taken the following precautionary measures to ensure the residents, tenants and staff safety; to ensure a sense of normality in the every day lives. There are a lot of parts that has to be engaged to ensure normality; and these are made possible with the commitment of the unsung heroes of Yoma Land. We would like to thank them for their personal commitment to continuously provide a safe haven for the residents and the community at large.
Customer Service Team
Prompt & Transparent Communication
Besides sharing information on COVID-19 advisory, preparedness and activation plan; the customer service team continuously reminds residents of the need to maintain a physical distance (social distancing) when they are moving around the estates. Residents suffering from any symptoms are requested to seek medical advice and self isolate. Information on residents who have tested positive are given full disclosure to facilitate contact tracing. All information on COVID-19 related matters are posted on website to offer easy access to residents and community at large.
Security Team
Hiring of Third Party Experts
The security team at the estate is well trained; the management takes a step further by hiring third party experts to provide further training to our in-house security team. This action also increase the numbers of security team members around the estate, offering greater assurance to the residents onsite.
Human Resources
Accommodation for Staff and Multi-Family Team Members
As the estate went into Level 2 engagement, with restricted access to the gated community, temporary accommodation with proper hygiene and facilities were built to house 350 staff members. This temporal measure and separation helped to reduce any importation or exportation of the virus. Dedicated helplines manned by human resources department in consultation with medical experts and estate office were set up to respond to calls and concerns of staff members and residents respectively.
Housekeeping Team
Extra Hygiene and Sanitation
Housekeeping teams are providing extra sanitation and disinfecting when cleaning residents homes and public facilities. The housekeeping team members themselves must exercise proper care when conducting the routines and extraordinary cleaning and sanitation to ensure they are protecting themselves as well as the residents. Residents and teams must maintain physical distance of 1.8 metres.
IT & Engineering
Stable Connectivity & Continuous Power Supply
During a pandemic, quite often, the city would encounter long periods of black-out. The engineering team had to ensure the estate has sufficient fuel to operate the generators during such occurrences. IT team has to ensure the WIFI connectivity remains stable throughout this period; where many residents are asked to work from home or ordered by medical experts or governmental bodies to practice self isolation.
Landscaping
Going Wild
The gardeners are still taking care of the common areas to ensure the residents' daily walks and exercises are carried out in a serene and well-manicured environment. Pun Hlaing Estate is home to a myriad of wildlife and the maintenance of the landscape and estate will continue to provide a sanctuary for these exotic animals, sighted often at the estate.
Food & Beverage Services
Promotions, Country Store, Organic Farms & Grocery
In the event the dining outlets are closed, we continue to serve our residents through delivery and takeaways. Limited menu is offered to continuously provide sustenance to residents. Packages and promotions are offered to ensure residents can continue to live their lives with normality. The Country Store continues to operate, retailing only the essentials including organic vegetables grown at the estate. Agreement were made between the estate and Metro Wholesale to provide online grocery shopping for the residents. The kitchen team takes on additional role of preparing and serving the 350 staff housed at the estate.
Country Club
Swimming Pool, Gym, Tennis Courts
The recreational areas are deep cleaned and disinfected to ensure the residents are able to enjoy the facilities safely. The operation of these facilities are carried out only with the consent of medical experts at the Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospital and management team. Residents' health and safety is the ultimate deciding factor in decision making.
Golf Club
Playing Golf Carefully
The golf director and golf club have put in place strict measures to ensure the safety of golfers and caddies. One to one caddie service is no longer available and golfers have to carry their own bags, pull their own trolley or drive around in their own golf buggy. Caddie are not within close distance to offer any personal services. The management hopes this measure will further protect the safety of the golfers, caddies and community at large.
Marketing & Events
Going Virtual
In place of gatherings, the team is creating exciting, engaging and relevant e-activities that residents can engage at home; and together with the community at large. E-excursions to world class museums, broadway festivals, exercise and dance lessons and challenges, e-concert to the world's best tenor, music channels, book clubs and fun tips on personal grooming (cut your own hair) are created to keep residents engaged and busy during social distancing.
Community
Being a Good Neighbour
The team also make a list of what the villagers around the estate might need; and donate them to the villagers. Many of the villagers have lost their jobs and lost their only source of incomes. These hardships cannot be under estimated and we will continue to support them to get through this crisis.
Leasing & Sales
Staying Safe
To ensure the safety of all leasing and sales team members including the safety of all residents and staff members, all potential renters and buyers must complete health declaration form and have their temperature scanned before entering the estate. Appointment are made on a one-to-one basis; and guests and staff must don masks at all times when interacting with each other.