Following recent developments, there should be no doubt that the housing market remains open. This means that people looking to move home can both continue with planned moves and view new properties to move into in the future. Estate and letting agents, removers, valuers, and people in sales and letting offices and show homes can continue working. As has previously been reported, everyone should follow the guidance below to keep themselves and others safe. More information can be found here: Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19).
In Scotland, the Government is asking people to significantly step up and increase compliance with existing protections – such as face coverings, hygiene, home working, ventilation, vaccination and regular testing. They have issued updated Safer Workplaces and Offices Guidance which provides advice on measures that businesses should continue to take to reduce risk and support staff and customers. The current advice from the Scottish Government about moving home is available here: COVID-19 Moving Home – Guidance.
In Wales, the Government have reported that for the time being it will remain at alert level zero. They state that they will monitor the public health situation very closely over the coming days and Ministers will meet regularly to consider whether they need to put additional protections in place to keep Wales safe. Their expert group on PPE is urgently reviewing all the available evidence around aerosol transmission for the omicron variant and will act on any recommendations for change but in the meantime, home moving is unaffected. More information can be found here: https://gov.wales/coronavirus
Similarly in Northern Ireland, the home moving market is unaffected for the time being at least as current guidelines remain in force. We have, as yet, had no report of any changes in approach to managing the impacts of Covid on removals industry. More information can be found here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-and-guidance-what-they-mean-you
Guidance issued by the BAR can be accessed via the following links:
• Removals Activities Under COVID-19 Conditions
• Checklist for moving day during COVID-19
