I am responding to a recent e-mail I received. There was a Q&A wherein it was asked if someone came into an office who had COVD-19, would  clean-up be covered. I have been asked the same question with respect to a personal HO3 and HO5 policy.  Would a cleanup of the home be covered? There is the same "direct physical loss" language in Section I coverages of the ISO HO form, so I would think not.  But I want to get this nailed down.

Michigan Subscriber

We're talking about a virus that can be cleaned with Lysol, Clorox wipes, and other household cleaners. Measles, mono, the seasonal flu, all require that the residence be cleaned pretty much the same way. A hazmat team isn't required for clean-up, nor is anything out of the ordinary that an insured probably don't already have on hand. There's no actual damage; the walls don't have to be repainted or replaced, nor does any carpet or floors. The residence just has to be cleaned. There is no actual physical damage, so no coverage. You may find the following helpful: What is Physical Damage?