Why is NAR issuing this guidance?
In response to the growing concerns about COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, NAR is providing this guidance to help REALTORS® respond to the coronavirus’s potential impact on the real estate industry. As of March 4, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Level 3 Travel Warnings for all of China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran, and a Level 2 Travel Warning for Japan. However, the situation is rapidly evolving. Be sure to refer to the CDC’s website for up-to-date information about travel warnings (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html), as well as information about the coronavirus’s current impact in the United States (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html). Daily updates about the coronavirus are also available from the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019).

What is Coronavirus?
The CDC is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus outbreak. While the outbreak started in Wuhan, China, a growing number of cases have been identified in several other countries, including the United States.
What is the risk of exposure to coronavirus?
The CDC reports that most people in the United States do not have an immediate risk of exposure to the virus. However, the situation is rapidly evolving, and the CDC will update its risk assessment as needed. For the CDC’s latest updates, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.

What preventative measures may be taken to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading coronavirus?
The same preventative measures recommended to prevent influenza are also effective in reducing the risk of contracting or spreading coronavirus. These measures include:
•Staying home if you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath or any other cold or flu-like symptom.
•Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available,use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
•Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
•Avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.
•Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
•Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.