by Baldev S. Gill, Chief Executive Officer
Today’s eMemo contains the following updates:
- WorkSafeBC releases protocols for real estate industry to return to operation
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extension
WorkSafeBC releases protocols for real estate industry return to operation
In accordance with the Provincial Health Officer, Premier Horgan has announced a phased approach to gradually restarting the BC economy during COVID-19.
In partnership with the BC government, WorkSafeBC has released occupational health and safety guidelines and resources for all industries. The real estate industry – encompassing brokerages, REALTORS®, and home inspectors – is part of Phase 2 of the government’s reopening plan. As are real estate Boards and Associations.
We outlined the Board’s plan for reopening in an earlier eMemo today. This second e-Memo is to provide you with links to WorkSafeBC reopening guidelines specific to real estate offices and anyone providing real estate services.
As Board President, Chris Shields, referenced in his video update this week, the WorkSafeBC recommended guidelines continue to emphasize REALTORS® rely whenever possible on virtual services when working with clients, and stringent health and safety protocols for in-person viewings.
Real estate employers or brokerages must:
- Develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This plan must be posted at the worksite.
- Understand the risk that COVID-19 spreads in several ways and ensure higher risk situations have adequate protocols in place to address the risk.
- Select protocols for your workplace that offer the highest level of protection.
WorkSafeBC’s specific protocols for real estate address these areas as well as others:
- Provide virtual services
- In-person viewings
- Hygiene protocols
- Disinfection protocol and considerations for offices and homes
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extension
Also worth noting today, the federal government announced an extension to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to August 29, 2020.
The CEWS helps businesses keep employees on the payroll and encourages employers to rehire workers previously laid off. We also have provided additional resources below.
Stay well, stay safe, and stay as healthy as you can.
For ongoing FVREB updates on COVID-19, please visit:
http://news.fvreb.bc.ca/category/member-updates/covid-19-updates/
Additional resources:
- The New Brunswick Real Estate Board has provided a very useful list of procedures it recommends to Realtors – Real Estate Transactions during state of emergency
- The Real Estate Council of BC has also provided our members with some excellent information and advice on the subject here.
- BCREA has provided information about contracts during this pandemic COVID-19 FAQ: Dealing with Contracts and Disclosure Requirement
- Also, check out CREA’s New2Me bulletin