by Baldev S. Gill, Chief Executive Officer
Today’s eMemo contains the following update:
- COVID-19 – Reinforcing Adherence to WorkSafeBC Protocols and Public Health Orders
COVID-19 – Reinforcing Adherence to WorkSafeBC Protocols and Public Health Orders
Reports from many sources, including the Real Estate Council of British Columbia (RECBC), are indicating that large numbers of the public are going through homes in a matter of a few hours.
There are also reports of citizens calling local police to ask them to disperse concentrations of people waiting outside of properties where Open Houses or in-person showings are still being held. In particular, we are hearing that tenants living in properties adjacent to properties being shown are complaining to authorities.
These complaints are symptomatic of an overheated real estate market, in the context of the second wave of the global pandemic. Currently, BC is experiencing over 500 new COVID-19 cases daily.
Therefore, we want to take the opportunity to reinforce to you, our REALTORS®, to please follow established WorkSafeBC protocols for real estate and the current Public Health Orders (PHO’s) related to showings and open houses in all cases.
We are concerned that this situation, if left unchecked, could lead to several negative media stories and social media postings on our sector.
As a non-health related essential service, a reminder to all that we have a duty and obligation to adhere strictly to all safety protocols on COVID-19.
Furthermore, on the overall issue of in-person open houses, our guidance to you remains consistent with our eMemo from November 6, 2020 as well as our eMemo of November 7 and our eMemo of November 9. In those eMemos, we stated that members should refrain from holding in-person open houses, but rather, implement virtual tours/showings as much as possible.
Accordingly, if you proceed with a private showing, please ensure you proceed by adhering to the guidance we provided to you last April.
As a reminder, private showings can only be carried out with strict safety measures that include:
- Masks and gloves must be worn by the visitors including the buyers, sellers and agents attending;
- No visitor is permitted to touch any object or surface of the home;
- Any opening of doors, windows or cupboards must be done by the seller or the seller’s agent; and
- Sellers are advised to carry out thorough cleaning and sanitizing prior to and following a showing of the home.
If we all continue to do our part, and do it well, particularly in light of the just unveiled vaccination plan for BC, we will flatten the curve of the pandemic sooner and get back to business as usual in a timely manner. Should you need further guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your managing broker or to the Board office.
Have a good weekend and stay 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: