Updated Guidance on Gatherings & Face Coverings

November 3, 2020

- By The MAR Legal Team

On November 2, 2020, Governor Baker issued COVID-19 Order #54 which limits indoor gatherings to 10 people. Importantly, the Order expressly includes gatherings in private residences. REALTORS® must be certain to ensure that open houses, showings, and inspections are limited to a maximum of 10 people. This Order also requires organizers of gatherings to report known positive COVID-19 cases to the local health department and cooperate with contact tracing efforts. Violations of this gathering order are subject to a $500 fine for each person over the limit.

The Governor also issued COVID-19 Order #55 which requires all people over the age of 5 to wear face coverings in public, regardless of spacing. Public locations include any place open to the public, which would include open houses. Other public locations include grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail stores; public transportation and ride-sharing vehicles; public streets and ways; and any location that hosts indoor or outdoor events or performances.

Both orders go into effect on November 6, 2020.

Key Considerations for REALTORS®:

  • If holding open houses, limit to 10 people and practice social distancing;
  • Require clients and customers to wear masks when viewing properties;
  • Keep a log of attendees at showings and open houses for contact tracing purposes;
  • Encourage the use of hand sanitizer at all showings and cleaning of properties following showings.