Coronavirus Update 3-17-2020
As new developments with the coronavirus (COVID-19) arise, Minneapolis Area REALTORS® is committed to providing members the latest information on our response to help protect the well-being of members and staff. MAR is taking several precautionary steps to ensure business continuity while also protecting health.
Following the CDC’s 3-15-2020 recommendations, MAR has extended the Board cancellation of all in-person classes, meetings and events through May 10, 2020. This includes the Realtor® Summit, which had been scheduled on April 29 but is now cancelled.
The MAR office remains open for in-person service, but is requesting visitors who are ill, believe have been exposed to the coronavirus, or have visited areas affected by CDC travel warnings to not visit the office.
MAR is providing frequent updates via email, social media and the MAR website which has a resource page with links to the latest information on how to protect members’ health and business.
We are continually monitoring the situation and will keep members updated on any additional changes to our operations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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?
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. Visit the CDC’s website at this link for latest updates.
What can you do to reduce your risk?
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.
Will I get a refund for cancelled class and Realtor® Summit fees? Yes. Registrants will automatically receive a refund, which will typically appear on their bank statement within 10 business days. No action is required.
Where else can I get CE? We encourage you to utilize the online courses we offer through The CE Shop.
Will you offer classes after May 10? We will provide an update as soon as we know the plans for future classes. For now, we plan to hold classes after May 10 and beyond.
If I register for future classes and events and they are cancelled due to coronavirus concerns, will I get a refund? Yes. Registrants of the cancelled classes will automatically receive a refund. No action is required.
Is the office still open? Yes. MAR is committed to serving its members and respectfully asks members to not visit the office if:
- they are ill,
- believe they may have been exposed to the coronavirus, or
- they have visited the countries where the CDC has issued travel warnings.
NAR has put together a guide for REALTORS® for use in their day-to-day business, you can access the REALTORS® guide about coronavirus here.