Use Common Sense for Home Repairs During the Covid-19 Outbreak

“Life happens, even during a pandemic. The washing machine breaks, the sink leaks, the stove stops cooking your homemade cuisine. For months now, you’ve been limiting the number of people who’ve come into your home. But this is different: you need a service technician to fix the problem. Having someone breach your safe space is not without risk, so it needs to be done carefully.

“Six feet [or more] is the rule for safe distancing when we’re outside. Inside the home, because there’s not as much air flowing, it’s best to stay ‘as far away from that individual as you can get,’ said Dr. John Swartzberg, professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public health and an expert on infectious diseases.

“‘I would wear a mask so I wouldn’t infect the service-person, and I’d expect them to wear a mask, so they don’t infect me. I’d ask them to be extremely careful about what they touch, and I’d want them to have washed their hands or put hand sanitizer on their hands before they even come into the house.’

“Something else you can do: open the doors and windows. The fresh air will dilute any virus that might have hitched a ride with the service tech. If it’s too warm outside, running a central A/C will also help. If the repair work is done in an enclosed area where you can’t get some air circulating, don’t go in there for a few hours after the job is complete, Swartzberg advised.

“Keep in mind that workers are likely worried about their safety too. By keeping your distance and asking them about precautions, you’ll help put them at ease. Put on a mask before you answer the door, then keep it on the entire time you’re both in the home. Place hand sanitizer near your home’s entrance or in the area where the work is being done. If you leave or stick around, stay in a different part of the house…” (Checkbook Newsletter).