Face coverings on viewings

nicknameless

Not wanting to start a debate and I am aware of current government guidance but;

We've viewed with one agent twice in the last couple of weeks.  Both times we've requested that the EA wear a mask (as we were) during the viewings, although admittedly not in advance of the viewing (I'll pre-empt the question).  On both occasions the EA has not had a mask with them to wear - these are conveyor belt block viewings and not a one off so I would be surprised if we were the only people wanting to wear masks indoors with a stranger in contact with multiple others every day.

Other agents have given us the choice and / or just donned a mask when they see us wearing them.

I am a little surprised by this.  Or I am a little naive.  One or the other.

What are others experiences of this at the moment?

Btw I am aware I can probably request this in advance in future, and will do so.

Marvel1

Everything is open indoors mixing with strangers and no masks (depending on country).

theartfullodger

If you are unhappy with any aspect of an agent's behaviour, just walk out.

You can't force them to wear a mask.  They can't force you not to.

nicknameless

I am aware of the guidance (and have my opinions).

But, I was actually asking what others had experienced recently on viewings.  Other agents have still worn, or offered to wear masks with us.

Flugelhorn

we have found some agents wearing masks and some not - we don't willingly wear them but do so if they asked us to 

sheramber

the agent may be exempt but has no need to tell you.

NameUnavailable

There's no legal requirement to wear a mask any more. I still do on buses/trains/in shops. If you can 'socially distance' yourself from the agent during the viewing then there shouldn't be a need for a mask, especially if you are wearing one anyway.

I have just recovered from Covid, having caught it even after being double jabbed and wearing a mask in most public spaces.

maxsteam

It's up to you. If you wear a mask it creates one barrier between you and the outside world but, at the moment, you cannot demand that other people wear masks.

Having said that, it's possible for you to say that you will walk away from the viewing if other people are not wearing masks and it's possible for the agent to say that they will refuse entry if you are not wearing a mask. You can't make someone else wear a mask but you can walk away.

davilown

maxsteam said:

It's up to you. If you wear a mask it creates one barrier between you and the outside world but, at the moment, you cannot demand that other people wear masks.

Regardless of opinion on masks, how on earth does it create a barrier?

justcat01

The agents by me have requested that masks be worn based on the sellers request/the policy of the agent.

We just respect the wishes of whoever it is and if they want us to wear a mask, we will do so.

Ksw3

Every agent we have seen has been wearing a mask and we wear ours too. I think they should really have one to wear if they are asked to but I guess that's their decision.

Frustratingly, viewings here are still limited to 15 minutes so there's a limited exposure to me and perhaps they feel the risk is low enough not to bother (rightly or wrongly).