What REALTORS^® should know about COVID-19

We understand you may have questions and concerns about doing business now that the outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19 is declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

In response, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) continues to take precautions in making sure its employees and members remain safe. The health and safety of our employees and our members remains our No. 1 priority.

We continue to monitor developments and maintain a dialogue with government officials despite the suspension of Parliament until April 20. Members will receive regular updates as we underline the distinct realities facing REALTORS^® during this difficult period.

Currently, the most vulnerable populations are those aged 65 and over, those with compromised immune systems and those with underlying medical conditions. Many REALTORS^® fall into one or more of these categories.

Interacting with clients

If your members and their clients feel they must host an open house, consider the following recommendations:

• request visitors wash their hands with soap and water or disinfect with an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol;
• use disinfecting wipes to clean commonly-shared surfaces like door handles;
• restrict open house attendance to one group at a time;
• ask visitors to limit physically touching items in the home;
• refrain from greeting others with handshakes or hugs;
• encourage clients to thoroughly clean and disinfect house after open houses or viewings;
• request clients or attendees to notify you if they become ill within two weeks of an open house or showing. If an attendee does become sick or is diagnosed with COVID-19, communicate this with the homeowner and other attendees if possible;
• avoid sharing items such as phones, tablets or laptops;
• meet clients in private spaces instead of public areas such as coffee shops, coworking spaces or restaurants; and
• encourage fellow REALTORS^® to provide information via email or other digital means.

Health Canada suggests practicing “social distancing”—in other words, stay in isolation if you’re showing symptoms of being sick and keep a two-metre radius from others when out in public.

General precautionary measures

We understand our industry and your day-to-day business is built upon creating relationships with your clients. Not being able to interact with them directly or in a way you’re familiar with might be challenging. That being said, we recommend all members use precautions to help limit the spread of the virus.

For a full list of prevention tips, please visit the Health Canada website.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, please don’t panic. Stay informed, prepare yourself and your family and pay attention to advice from health officials.