Given the current outbreak of Covid-19, would you still consider buying a home near hospitals and clinics as these places are the closes to possible contagions?
Under normal circumstances, being close to hospitals and clinics score "plus points" particularly for the elderly who might need to seek regular medical treatments or pick up their monthly supply of medication.
But with the Covid-19 outbreak becoming more serious, living so close to the hospital is suddenly not so desirable. As a result, these homes could see a drop in value.
On a positive note, it also makes these homes more affordable. There is always the option of renting out these home. Who would rent them? Hospital staff and doctors who need to be on call or in proximity to the hospital are potential tenants.
Thus, it is imperative to decide if the property is meant for your own stay or rental yield.
Easily transmitted
Where is safe? One thing that people are beginning to discover is that Covid-19 can be spread easily, either by touch or by air. Therefore, it is a clean environment that should be taken into account rather than location. The more exposed you are to the coronavirus, the higher the risk of infection for you or your family members. Being close to a hospital doesn't immediately increase your risk, it is your contact with others who may be infected.
However, being closer to hospitals mean that there is a higher probability that the people seeking medical help may be infected.
But if you take the proper precautionary procedures, you can still limit your risk. Ather all, they say “Prevention is better than cure”.
So wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, cover your nose and mouth with a face mask when you go out, use disposable tissues when you cough or sneeze and avoid close contact with people.
Better yet, stay home and self-isolate yourself from others over the next two weeks and follow the restricted movement order imposed by the government.
Busy road
At this critical moment, hospitals are likely to receive additional patients who have been tested positive or people who are panicking and rushing to hospitals to get themselves checked. The increased volume of people also means more traffic and irresponsible drivers illegally parking their vehicles, thereby causing traffic congestion.
Homeowners staying close to hospitals are known to air their displeasure over illegal parking, which in many cases block the owners from exiting their homes or returning home.
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