By Lynn Hackworth, Manager, Equity & Impact
With the global outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic—5.2+ million confirmed cases, 165,628 deaths in the United States as of 08/10/20—COVID-19 has affected every aspect of our lives. From how we socialize to what and where we eat to how we do business, particularly in real estate, safety has taken on a whole new meaning.
Each year, the National Association of REALTORS® designates September as REALTOR® Safety Month—a time to reassess precautions put into place to safely conduct day to day interactions with people we don’t always know personally and to travel to locations we may not be too familiar with. In these cases, we all know the drill.
But with COVID-19, a virus that attacks the respiratory system, safety has been turned on its head. How and with whom we conduct business, truly could be a matter of life or death.
To help keep citizens safe, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued the following recommendations:
Know how it spreads
Since there currently is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19), the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. This virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Some recent studies have even suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
When to wash your hands
You should wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. It is especially important to wash before eating or preparing food, touching your face, and after using the restroom; handling your mask; changing a diaper, caring for someone sick or touching animals or pets.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Mask Up Columbus!
The mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who do not live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
And continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others because the mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Monitor Your Health Daily
Be alert for symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
Take your temperature if symptoms develop. Do not take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen. Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.
For a complete list of the CDC’s recommendations, Symptoms guidance, and answers to other frequently asked questions, visit www.cdc.gov/.
Additional safety information can be found at
NAR.Realtor, including “A Sample Preparedness Plan for Circumstances Relating to COVID-19”.
And, in an effort to protect both members and staff, Columbus REALTORS® have put in place the following safety precautions:
Visitors must have an appointment to enter the building. Face covering/mask must be worn at all times. A Thermal camera will take your temperature. Use hand sanitizer when entering/exiting the building. Practice social distancing throughout the building. And, if you have possibly been exposed, we asked that you please do not enter the building.
If you have questions, please call (614) 475-4000.
Agents are responsible for their buyer's actions
Failure to follow seller’s instructions, such as wearing masks and practicing safety protocols during showings, is a violation of Article 3, Standard of Practice 3-9: “REALTORS® shall not provide access to the listed property on terms other than those established by the owner or the listing broker.” Sellers are well within their rights to request that those entering their home wear masks, use hand sanitizer, etc. The agent accompanying the buyers is responsible for enforcing those instructions. For more guidelines on conducting real estate activity during this pandemic, visit nar.realtor/coronavirus.
