Oregon REALTORS® Update on COVID-19 Protocols
November 13, 2020
Today, Governor Brown announced new restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. Cases, positive test rates, hospitalizations and deaths are at an all-time high and are increasing exponentially. Cases are being driven primarily by informal social gatherings.
The following is a summary of the Governor’s announcement.
Nine Counties are Already Subject to Following Enhanced Restrictions
These restrictions are effective as of Wednesday, November 11 in the following counties: Baker, Clackamas, Jackson, Malheur, Marion, Multnomah, Umatilla, Union, and Washington:
The Governor urges all businesses to mandate work from home to the greatest extent possible.
No long-term care facility visits to protect staff and residents.
Reducing maximum restaurant capacity to 50 people (including customers and staff) for indoor dining, with a maximum party size of six. Continuing to encourage outdoor dining and take out.
Reducing other indoor activity maximum capacity to 50 people (for example: gyms, fitness organizations/studios, bowling alleys, ice rinks, indoor sports, pools, museums).
Limiting social gatherings to one household, or no more than 6 people if the gathering includes those from different households (keeping the same 6 people in your social gathering circle for the two-week period), and reducing the frequency of those social gatherings.
The following restrictions will be effective in all counties Wednesday, November 18 for two weeks until Wednesday, December 2. It is likely that these restrictions will be extended even longer (at least 4 weeks) in counties with high case and hospitalization rates.
Restaurants will be open for take-out and delivery only
Retail, grocery, and pharmacy locations must operate at 75% capacity
The Governor is strongly encouraging curbside pickup for these goods
Gyms and fitness centers will be closed as well as venues that host indoor or outdoor events
Churches and faith gatherings are limited to 25 people indoors, 50 outdoors
Personal services providers will be able to continue to operate under existing safety protocols
Business are required to have employees work remotely if it is possible to do so
People should wear a mask at all times except when eating or drinking, whether indoors or outdoors
Social get togethers are limited to individuals from two households and a maximum of 6 people, and the Governor is asking Oregonians to only socialize with one other household during the two-week period
Schools and day cares will continue operating under existing guidance
In addition to these restrictions, Governor Brown and other western Governor’s today announced a travel advisory asking those who have traveled out of state to self-quarantine for 14 days. Additionally, all of the safety protocols that have been in place–including physical distancing, hand washing and mask wearing–remain.
What Does this Mean for Real Estate?
Offices
Real estate offices should mandate work-form-home whenever it is possible and should continue to follow strict protocols around social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing and sanitization. Offices should be closed the public.
Showing Homes
REALTORS® and their clients should always wear a mask. REALTORS® should only show homes when 6ft distancing can always be maintained between the REALTOR® and the person touring the home. REALTORS® should show homes to one party at a time and limit the number of people touring the home to ensure the ability to 6ft distance and to minimize interactions between people of different households. Traditional open houses should not be held. If an “open house” is held it must be modified to ensure 6ft distancing is met and limited to one party touring the home at a time (for example by appointment only or allowing one party to tour the home while others line up outside 6ft apart). In addition to this guidance, REALTORS® should continue follow additional safety and sanitation protocols recommended in NAR’s Showing Guidance During COVID-19 document. Virtual open houses are still a great option.
Closing Thoughts
Cases and hospitalizations are growing exponentially and REALTORS® should do everything they can to protect their clients, themselves and the community from COVID-19. As has been the case all along, Governor Brown’s guidance does not specifically address real estate. Nevertheless, the Governor’s new guidelines are designed to encourage people to stay home as much as possible and to avoid interacting with individuals from other households. We encourage REALTORS® to keep this in mind as they make decisions about how to show homes and conduct their business.
Oregon REALTORS® | OregonREALTORS.org
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Salem, OR 97302
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Oregon REALTORS®
2110 Mission St SE #230
Salem, OR 97302
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