Dr. Jennifer Burgess is an osteopathic physician who specializes in family medicine for Henry Ford Health System in Michigan. She spoke with Fixed Ops Journal Editor Dan Shine.
Q: How concerned should dealership employees and vehicle owners be about transmitting COVID-19 when car repairs are needed?
A: Be aware, but not scared. Follow proper precautions to avoid risk.
Should disinfecting wipes be used?
Yes, most EPA-registered household disinfectants work. Follow instructions on the cleanser.
I've read that scientists believe surface transmission is a lower risk than droplets from sneezing or coughing.
Definitely, this is true. But if you're a mechanic and you're working on a steering wheel, it won't hurt to wipe it down with a disinfectant. Transmission via surfaces is low, but it's also really easy to do a quick wipe-down to be safe. And along with steering wheels, disinfecting other things that are touched often — like car door handles, touch screens, keys, ignitions — also may be a good idea.
What other precautions should service departments take?
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your face, and when possible while working, practice social distancing — keep 6 feet between you and others. Cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you're sick.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending people wear masks when out in public. Should service advisers and technicians wear masks?
I would definitely add wearing a mask. Preferably this would be a homemade mask to save the surgical masks and N95s for the health care workers on the front lines.
What about gloves?
Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and discard after each cleaning. If you don't wear a new pair after each car, there's no need to wear gloves while performing repairs. If you wear the same pair with multiple cars, you'll just be spreading germs. It's not recommended to wash gloves; I'm sure washing them breaks down the integrity of the latex, and even with non-latex gloves, there's always the risk that water will drop in between the gloves and spread germs. Trying to wash the gloves is just too high risk.
Does it make sense to cover steering wheels and other parts of the car with plastic and/or paper?
It certainly wouldn't hurt, but in order for this to work you'd have to change the plastic each time the car is used. I would just go back to the basics of washing your hands frequently and not touching your face. [Steering wheel covers] won't cause harm — like washing your gloves would — but it might not help. Washing your hands and not touching your face are the some of the best modes of prevention for all of us.
Any other tips?
Refer to the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 prevention and what to do if you are concerned that you have COVID-19. Contact your physician if you have any other concerns.
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