First, there is no change professionally. Realtors must continue to follow Phase 2 guidelines: strict personal safety protocols, avoid holding Open Houses and rely as much as possible on virtual tools.
What has changed in Phase 3 of the provincial government’s Restart Plan during the COVID-19 pandemic affects you personally.
Travel throughout BC is now possible and, in some cases, encouraged:
Have you been thinking about seeing friends or family in other parts of the province or exploring an area of BC you have heard about but never visited? Perhaps you would like to go camping or glamping over the summer. Now you can, and when it comes to campgrounds, BC residents now have preferential access.
Although Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry never ordered hotels, motels, RV parks, cabins, resorts, hostels, lodges, and backcountry operators to close, many of them did so voluntarily. They are now busy preparing to welcome guests again while keeping in mind the protocols they need to follow such as maintaining physical distancing, restricting capacities, and incorporating extra sanitization practices. Some towns, communities and regions who rely on tourism are eager to welcome you with safety measures in place and they could use your support at this time.
If you plan to travel within the province, you need to check that the community you wish to visit is welcoming visitors, as some small communities may not have the resources to support you. And, if you do decide to go, you’ll need to take the same health and safety precautions you have been asked to take at home for your own protection and the protection of others:
- Wash your hands often
- Practice safe distancing (at least two metres)
- Spend time in small groups and open spaces where possible
- Clean spaces often
If you are feeling sick, stay home. If you become ill with possible symptoms of COVID-19 while travelling, self-isolate immediately and contact 8-1-1 for guidance and testing.
For more guidelines on BC travel in Phase 3, click here.
As a Realtor, you still need to take precautions for your safety and the safety of others:
Nothing has changed for Realtors in BC’s Phase 3. You still need to follow the WorkSafeBC’s guidelines and extra safety precautions that were announced for the real estate sector in Phase 2.
That means:
- refraining from holding Open Houses
- avoiding in-person interactions as much as possible
- if showings and tours are necessary, adhere to the most up-to-date physical distancing, hygiene, and mask requirements
Note: These strict protocols are in place indefinitely; until BC’s Provincial Health Officer removes them or there is a treatment and/or vaccine for COVID-19.
For more information, please review the June 22 Paul column and June 23 eMemo from FVREB CEO Baldev Gill that was shared with all members.
As Dr. Henry says, “We’ve succeeded in flattening the curve by working together, but COVID-19 will continue to be in our province until we have an effective treatment or vaccine. By staying vigilant and following our foundational rules, we can safely do many of the things that we enjoy for the months to come.”
We hope you will be able to take some time off in the next few months to travel in our beautiful province and stay healthy and safe.
For ongoing FVREB updates on COVID-19, please visit:
http://news.fvreb.bc.ca/category/member-updates/covid-19-updates/
Additional COVID-19 resources:
Source: FVREB Communications