Coronavirius concerns

[alice2uworld]

Do you have a supply source for gloves? I'm allergic to latex and so are many other people (including my doctor). Finding gloves in WA state is difficult. At what cost are you describing that Notaries should continue to put themselves at risk? Is that fee worth your life?

[alice2uworld]

I agree with your statement. Unknown how we will be exposed in public or how we many expose others. WA State is the ground zero state. The moral and ethical question is do we want to work with the public and either have them expose the virus to us or we could be unknown carrier exposing others. Is the fee worth it? I agree we need to keep the real estate market moving but everyone needs to take a deep breath and consider the risks. Real estate will still be around after we have reached the high curve of the virus. I want to be around to keep performing signings after the danger has passed. Every day above ground is good!

[parisharvey]

Can anyone clarify if we signing agents are considered "essential personnel"?
I am in California and the Gov has declared "Shelter in place" for all "non-essential"
I am continuing with my appointments...but the police are in force and I don't want to be fined a misdemeanor if I am out there.
Where is it written that we are essential?

[LindaH]

Someone elsewhere posted they checked with emergency services in their area; I, personally would check with the SOS - if you can get anyone since I believe all your state offices are closed. In my own personal opinion based on previous similar orders throughout my life, I don't believe notaries are exempt. Not sure how the legal system looks upon them being "essential personnel".

Maybe this will help you..

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-03-20/these-are-the-jobs-and-sector-exempted-from-californias-coronavirus-stay-home-order

Here's the definition:

"Essential personnel" Defined:
Employees in the public and private sector with duties and responsibilities, the performance of which is essential to the public's health, safety and welfare, may also be authorized to travel.

[judikidd]

I just keep plugging away at sites, gathering a box here, a box there.

[judikidd]

I believe signing agents fall under the financial services umbrella. During this time especially, tapping into equity may be vital to families. I am expecting to see the process steamlined in following weeks, so that more families can access needed funds.

[LindaH]

They need to make those supplies unavailable to anyone other than first responders and health care workers.

[judikidd]

You honestly believe that manufacturers are not churning them out at super speed? Or that hospital supply firms and hospitals did not stockpile immediately beginning in February? Not to be offensive, but do you honestly believe that fast food workers, produce handlers, delivery personnel and, yes, notaries do not also need protection,both for themselves and for the public?

[LindaH]

I believe essential personnel should have them - non-essential workers do not need them; I do not believe notaries are essential personnel. And listening to the news reports of conditions, more are needed for those essential personnel. There's not enough.

That is my own personal belief about essential v. non-essential. However as to the shortage, I believe Mr. Pence, Mr. Cuomo, the Surgeon General and the Secretary of Defense who all stated today there is a drastic shortage. Health workers are being told to use their masks and gowns over and over - a health hazard in and of itself. I also listen to folks in my community in health care - who all say the same thing - we're running out of PPE -

Please don't be offended.

[alice2uworld]

Essential workers list varies by state.

[VIPnotaryCO]

I’ve been signing with my mask and gloves on. Wipe in and wipe out with disinfectant. I mean everything even the bottom of my shoes. God help us all!

[SusanAZ]

I think he was joking

[esqtara]

Department of Treasury

Settlement services have been deemed essential services, see the memo from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

[schmidtja]

This pretty much spells it our for California. But ultimately is is up to you and whether or not you feel comfortable working with people. I personally don't want to risk it. Especially while title/escrow officers are locking their doors and not allowing clients to come into their offices. Good luck and stay safe.

CA SOS: State’s Notaries May Work During ‘Shelter In Place’ Order, With Precautions

[judikidd]

No, I understand.

Thankfully, with the massive military presence here (Joint Base LewisMcChord, Bremerton Naval Base, Whidbey Naval Air Station, Everett Naval Base) our civilian medical complexes are bolstered by federal supplies, because they are often contracted to provide medical services to military personnel.

I don't feel guilty for having and using gloves.

[miamisigningagent]

Yes we are essential, working on financial system, if you go to NNA, you will find a letter, clarifying this.

[alice2uworld]

Hello fellow Washingtonian. I understand all the precautions but I'm 70 and want to see 71 in September. It is personal choice and my 3 adult children have chewed enough on me I gave in to government orders for 65+ people should stay home. There is essential workers and then there is common sense and personal choice. Judi saw your request for information on how to file a lien and posted information on this website. Also you may visit WA State L&I website and they have a form you can complete. Don't forget to send via certified mail signed receipt. Stay save fellow Notary.

[alice2uworld]

One last comment ~ I may be 70 but look in my mid 50's and have tons of energy. Going stir crazy and can't wait to get back into the game. Another Notary in my neighborhood who is in his mid 60's had decided to step back from signings also for a while. Will see how the curve goes.

[Carmen_Lane]

Yes, I am concerned like you. How can we not be. But here is the memorandum I just received today from Governor Inslee's office (Washington state) that reiterates the essential need for signing agents and notaries to continue doing their jobs if possible:

..."For homeowners in distress related to the COVID-19 event, it is important that they have the option to sell their home or pursue a refinance or residential mortgage loan modification..."

[VIPnotaryCO]

I printed these “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” docs and kept them in my Notary Bag in case I get pulled over!
https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/6390295/Business%20Continuity/Dashboard_Certificate_Treasury_Memo.pdf?utm_campaign=MAR_01414_CoronavirusCommunication&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=85321389&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_QkCq4ollyzTy2UnStwr7LXDp3ADY_MFUCQkqJlTH4rjs5BmCPmi7qOrhGMaS6p0i_i_GxuBJzsj2z27PjC91u5lm5nA&_hsmi=85321389