Estate agents are being urged to go the extra mile in order carry out their business within a Covid-secure manner to reduce the spread of the new Omicron variant  

The Guild of Property Professionals says that the Covid-19 temporary and precautionary measures announced by the prime minister this week act as a stark reminder to the sector and the public that the pandemic is ongoing, and it is essential that everyone working with in the estate agency sector continues to observe the rules.

Face coverings are now legally required to be worn in all shops, including estate and letting agents as well as auction houses, after the government extended the list of settings at which they will be mandatory.

Paul Offley, compliance officer at The Guild of Property Professionals, said: “There is no clear guidance with regard to whether agents would need to wear a mask at all times or just when a member of the public is in the office, however, it would appear that it would be at all times unless the agent has screens up or has a locked door policy.

“Previous guidance states ‘it is recommended face coverings are worn when in an indoor setting with people you are not usually with’”.

Offley adds that the COVID-secure polices within the property sector have been what has kept the sector and people moving over the past 18 months.

He continued: “With the new variant and the rate of infections increasing, it is vital that agents continue to act within a safe manner to ensure that they are protecting the public and doing what they can to minimise the spread of the virus.

 “With some potentially challenging months ahead, agents should look to review their COVID-19 operating plan and continue to review working practices to take all reasonable steps to help restrict the spread of the virus.”