In anticipation of the state beginning Phase 5 of COVID-19 recovery Friday, Illinois REALTORS® wants its members to be clear about some basic reopening facts.

Illinois REALTORS® General Counsel and Vice President Betsy Urbance says that COVID-19 related capacity limits will be eliminated during Phase 5. REALTORS® should remember that some seller clients will want to continue requiring masks and social distancing when in their properties. If so, REALTORS® must follow the sellers’ lawful direction, make that direction known to showing brokers and be consistent in following those directions at open houses or showings.

She also advises members to follow this guidance for Phase 5:

• “First, as a general rule, if you’re fully vaccinated,” she says. “You can do most things without a mask and without social distancing. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you must wear a mask and social distance.”
• Second, all people, including those already vaccinated, will have to wear masks in accordance with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance when using public transportation, visiting or working in health care settings or congregate care facilities (i.e. nursing homes) and in corrections facilities.
• Third, if local municipalities have stricter guidelines than those previously mentioned, the local guidelines must be followed; and
• Fourth, if local businesses or workplaces have stricter guidelines, those must be followed. Check with your employer or the local business to make sure you stay in compliance.

REALTORS® can consult the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s release of “Phase 5 Guidance for Businesses and Venues” for specifics. Other valuable links are CDC mitigation guidance, Illinois Phase 5 guidance and CDC vaccine information.