On 30 January 2020, the current outbreak of COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of international concern and, for now, most people in South Africa do not have an immediate risk of exposure to the virus.
South Africa has launched a response programme and instituted a number of key measures to stem the spread of the virus.
“However, as we have seen happen in other countries, the situation can rapidly evolve, with level 3 travel warnings now in place for China, South Korea, Italy and Iran, and a level 2 travel warning for Japan while the number of confirmed cases in other countries like the United Kingdom has spiked in recent weeks,” says Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.
“We have seen how the virus has impacted every factor of life in countries where there are high infection rates, with many industries virtually at a standstill.”
“In real estate, agents deal with the public on a daily basis, meeting many new people in any given week so it’s essential that we all put precautionary steps in place now while infection rates in South Africa are still low - for our own protection as well as our clients,” he says.
“It’s therefore vitally important to educate ourselves and our teams about the scientific facts from official sources rather than relying on hyperbole and media hysteria.”
Equally important is to remain calm and not become fearful or panic-stricken, not least because stress can dampen your immune response, making you more vulnerable to contracting viruses, says Geffen.
He suggests the following steps to consider implementing in offices:
1. Alternative communication
If you or clients are sick, rather arrange a zoom, face time, WhatsApp video or Microsoft teams call. “We are fortunate to be living in an age of digital technology which enables us to effectively replace face to face communication if necessary,” says Geffen.
2. Health notice
Ask your teams to sanitise hands upon every entry to the premises - even if they’ve just popped out for a minute to buy a sandwich or have a puff.
3. Work remotely
If you’re comfortable with your staff working remotely, suggest they do that - especially if someone in their household is sick.
4. Digitise
There are now many apps for digital signatures which allow you to sign legal documents remotely. But it’s best to use trusted software providers as they add an additional level of security by providing authentication and audit logs, among other features.
5. Sharing is not caring
If you feel sick don’t be a hero - your colleagues would rather have you home than possibly infectious in the office. See a doctor soonest and please keep them appraised of your situation.
However, as most of an agent’s work is conducted away from the office, and in other people’s homes and public places where they meet new people daily, further precautions are necessary.
Geffen suggests the following which will protect both agents and clients without putting a damper on business as usual.
1. Plan ahead to feel more in control
Be prepared for disruptions such as and meeting or event cancellations school closings and have contingency plans in place.
2. Carry your own sanitiser at all times
As sanitiser stocks are low at the moment, keep wet wipes handy and consider making your own. Two effective options are diluting clean green with water in a small bottle that easily fits in a handbag or school case, and another cheap and easy alternative is diluted vinegar in a spray bottle.
3. Avoid physical contact
This is easier said than done as there is no better way to convey sincere pleasure when greeting new clients or congratulating them on a great deal than with a hearty handshake. To many of the estate agents it would seem rude, but remember that at the moment refraining from doing so actually conveys respect.
4. Show day etiquette
“Show days are key to our business, so don’t just cancel them. Have a large bottle of waterless hand sanitizer at the entrance with a notice requesting all visitors to use it. And rather than forego the information gained from clients signing show day registers, supply a box of pens or pencils that they can take with them after signing,” says Geffen.
5. No, it’s not rude to ask personal questions
If you are meeting a client whom you know travels abroad regularly, you may ask them about their recent trips, and particularly if they’ve been to areas identified as having an increased risk of coronavirus.
6. Drive solo
If you typically drive your clients to viewing, rather go in separate cars and meet them at the property.
“We cannot take care of our families unless we take good care of ourselves, and these precautions will reduce the risk of infection at home and in our communities, even further,” he says.
7. Avoid densely populated public spaces
It may often be inconvenient but rather safe than sorry. Going to the gym right now may not be the best idea especially at peak times - try and workout outdoors instead of walking, running or biking.
8. Elbows up
“While we all know that it’s polite to cover our mouths when coughing or sneezing, and usually do, we must take extra care to do so, preferably with our elbows rather than hands,” says Geffen.
9. Avoid air travel
It may not always be possible, but if you can, postpone trips until further notice.
10. Boost your immune system
Make sure you and your family eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and it might be wise to invest in a good supplement with immune boosting minerals and vitamins. Getting enough sleep is also essential for warding off infections of all kinds.
Finally
“The fact is more than 80% of COVID-19 infections are akin to a cold or mild flu and most patients recover quickly, but those with chronic illnesses and compromised immune systems are very vulnerable,” says Geffen.
“It’s also a very contagious virus and as panic has risen, so has its impact on businesses and even national economies and right now SA cannot afford any more economic knocks. If we all begin taking a few very simple precautions from the get-go, we can significantly reduce the risk of infection and the spread of the virus and thereby minimise the impact on our lives and businesses.”
Print
