SA prepares for move to Level 1, agents urged to not relax safety measures

South Africa is on the long road to economic recovery following a lengthy lockdown to stop the spread of the Covid-19. Currently on Alert Level 2, the presidency has hinted that a move to Alert Level 1 could soon be on the cards.

While most industries hit the ground running as soon as they were given the legal right to do so, this final downgrade would mean "most normal activity can resume, with precautions and health guidelines followed at all times". However, the country has been warned to expect an increase in alert levels if there are any signs of resurgence. 

Currently South Africa has 648 214 confirmed cases, with 1 816 new cases reported for 12 September bringing the total active cases to 56 364 and a recovery rate of 89%.

But precautionary health and safety measures to prevent a resurgence are of the utmost importance. 

Real Estate Business Owners of South Africa (REBOSA) is calling on real estate agents not to relax their Covid-19 safety protocol. According to Tony Clarke, Chairperson of REBOSA and MD of the Rawson Property Group, the organisation is committed to ensuring the ongoing protection of all parties involved in real estate transactions, regardless of lockdown level, until such time as Covid-19 is no longer a threat.

"While we celebrate the return of certain freedoms under Level 2 and possibly even Level 1, now is not the time to relax our guard," says Clarke. "The virus remains prevalent, and it's up to us to make sure that our buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants are protected at all times when participating in real-estate-related activities."

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REBOSA has published a comprehensive set of Covid-19 workplace readiness guidelines and templates for use by the real estate industry.

To view the complete REBOSA Covid-19 guidelines click here.

Recommended measures include encouraging staff to work from home where possible, implementing strict in-office hygiene controls and regular screening, enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing, and preparing for swift transmission control in the event of a staff member testing positive for Covid-19.

To minimise risk during interactions with customers and members of the public, REBOSA recommends conducting meetings via telephone or video call and utilising electronic documentation wherever possible. Virtual viewings of properties are encouraged, with in-person visits limited to serious buyers or tenants only.

'Prequalify beforehand and limit viewings to two'

"Wherever possible, we suggest requesting buyers and tenants get prequalified before viewing a property in person, and strictly limiting visitors to two at a time," says Clarke. "Showhouses are back on the cards again, but require stringent adherence to safety protocol. This includes keeping doors and windows open to maximise ventilation during viewings, making sure all parties wear masks, sanitise their hands on entry and exit and avoid touching any surfaces as far as possible."

REBOSA discourages agents from travelling to viewings in the same vehicle as clients, recommending all parties maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres from each other at all times. A detailed log of all private and showhouse visitor details is also recommended to enable transmission tracking if necessary.

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"It's up to us to prevent the spread of Covid-19 under all lockdown levels. Let's make sure our industry continues to be a leader in the fight against this virus."