With the government urging people to double their efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus as public health data shows that the number of positive cases topped 60,000 for the first time yesterday, agencies across the country are having to review the way they operate to help protect staff and clients.

All agents must follow the national guidance, which includes advice on social distancing and wearing a face covering.

Andy Roberts, managing director of Berriman Eaton, said: “The government’s message is clear that people can still move home and we have already seen a lot of activity from buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants in the first few days of 2021. This follows on from an extremely busy period over the last six months.”

Government guidance provides important public health information to ensure that moving home and related activities, such as viewing property, can happen safely.

It is important that everyone knows how to stay alert to stay safe, according to Roberts.

He added: “We’ve reviewed all of our Covid-secure protocols and ensured that our four offices in Tettenhall, Bridgnorth, Wombourne and Kidderminster are as safe as they can be, people can work from home where possible and all viewings are completed with social distancing in place.

“Our advisors also carry out pre-vetting calls to clarify the level of interest of the buyer to remove the possibility of people viewing properties just to get out of the house.”