Editor's note: This story was updated late Thursday to reflect New York state's reversal on home showings.

New York state's Empire State Development did an about face Thursday, less than 24 hours after notifying Realtors that they may show homes.

After pushback from Realtors, the state agency sent a clarification noting that the showings must be virtual.

"Being an 'essential' industry does not mean business as usual — business can only be conducted if social distancing and other public health protocols are followed and all must be doing everything they can to help stop the spread," Empire State Development said in a statement Thursday night. " For real estate, that means brokers can only transact business in their offices or show properties virtually, and anything else is off limits."

ESD went on to say that in saying that property showings are allowed, ESD's guidance means that brokers can be in their offices or at properties to conduct virtual or online showings.

That's in contrast with the email Realtors received Wednesday night from New York State Association of Realtors notifying them that they may show properties again.

"Today the Empire State Development agency clarified that residential and commercial showings along with back office real estate work, appraisal services and home inspections are essential real estate functions effective immediately," the email from NYSAR Wednesday night read.

That notice sent shockwaves through the real estate community, with many Realtors and brokers pushing back insisting that health and safety comes first.

Cindy Blair, Realtor at Geraci Realty, was up all night distraught over the notice.

"I'm immunity compromised and am on lockdown only leaving for my infusions. I have 16 active buyers but would never risk anyone's health to show a home," she said.

Other Realtors took to social media and chat rooms to voice displeasure. Real estate was declared to be on pause under Gov. Andrew Cuomo's directive to flatten the curve on the pandemic.

Realtor Rome Celli of ReMax Realty Group blogged about his dismay at the decision to allow showings.

"To say I am surprised at this turn of events is a major understatement," he wrote. "I join thousands upon thousands of New Yorkers working and interacting with the public under highly difficult circumstances. I have very mixed feelings about going back to work under the circumstances. I'm sure you can imagine. Enough said."

Nick Perlet of ReMax Realty Group had been very vocal about allowing showings at a time when cases of coronavirus are rising. He is confused by the multiple directives he is receiving.

"The indecisive nature is troubling," Perlet said of the reversal of decision.

Realtor Jodine Utter was nervous about having to show homes and lost sleep Wednesday night. She is elated to learn about the clarification.

"This was more than I could have hoped for to keep everyone safe," she said.

"Common sense prevails," said Al Kerstein of Howard Hanna. "Glad so many of my fellow agents make their health and the health of family ,clients and the general population a priority. I will continue to work from home electronically and with virtual showings until it is deemed safe."

Mary Chao is the real estate and retail reporter at Democrat and Chronicle. Email tips to mchao@gannett.com. Your subscription helps our journalism.