Parveen Sidhu considers the COVID-19 safety issues
Clients who are purchasing properties often have to deal with the logistics of removal vans and collecting keys. But, in this new era of social distancing and self-isolation following the outbreak of COVID-19, those who are considered high risk – pregnant women, aged 70 and over and those with weak immune systems – must now consider decontamination of homes.
The experiences of new coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) have formed the been used to form public guidance on ‘Decontamination of your new home’ dated 26 March 2020. The risk of infection depends on a number of factors including: the type of surfaces contaminated, the amount of virus shed from the individual, the time the individual spent in the setting and the time since the individual was last in the setting.
The infection risk from coronavirus decreases over time and is likely to be reduced significantly after 72 hours. This is based on studies of other viruses within the same family.
Therefore, a property that is being sold by an executor can be considered to be of a lower risk compared to a property that is being sold in a chain.
What do our clients need to know, especially those considered high risk, when selling a property and moving into a new home immediately after?
The above measures can be utilised to effectively protect a property and, so, our clients. By adhering to the public guidelines our clients can successfully purchase a property and move into their new home: a moment. in their lives that will bring joy and happiness.
Parveen Sidhu – Associate Solicitor
“It is increasingly becoming paramount that the public receive appropriate steps and guidance to ensure their safety. We are constantly updating our procedures and advice to take account of the most recent guidelines and requirements. Client safety is our top priority during these unprecedented times and we work diligently with all parties concerned to ensure a safe and satisfactory transaction.”