Disinfecting after fueling up is the new normal
We’ve changed our lives recently because of the COVID-19 virus. Social distancing, staying home as often as possible, washing our hands more often then ever before and avoiding touching our face are all parts to our lives we didn’t put a lot of thoughts toward in the past. Frankly, we really didn’t care much about these things until the virus became so important in our lives. But one question still lingers out there; how does and how will the COVID-19 virus affect the way we use our vehicles now and in the future?
As most drivers, I’ve had to fill up my fuel tank during the COVID-19 pandemic. Was I concerned about touching anything at the gas station? Absolutely, but there are ways you can get fuel without risking your health or freaking out. While pumping gas I noticed how timid and fearful other users were. Before I stopped to get fuel I made a plan of how I was going to do this safely and without adding more stress to my day.
Getting fuel may be one of the most common uneventful things we do as a driver, but COVID-19 has changed that. Disinfecting everything we touch is becoming the new normal. Getting fuel may now mean to use a disposable latex glove to touch the pump and pump handle and then throwing it away in a proper garbage container. I’ve already seen too many latex gloves laying on the ground already. Discard them properly. Littering is a nasty habit at any time of year. Have respect for your community. Okay, my rant is done. It now takes a conscience thought about the most mundane thing we do as a driver to ensure we remain safe and healthy.
If you’re using a busy fuel station there may be a chance that someone may have coughed on their hand and then used the gas pump just before you pulled up. Getting the virus because you touch it won’t happen, but if you’ve touched anything – gas pump handles, door handles, bank machine buttons, debit machines, cash – and then put your hand to your face such as your mouth, nose or eyes you may be infecting yourself. While getting fuel, think about what you’re touching and after getting fuel, wash your hands thoroughly before entering your vehicle. If you have to enter your vehicle before you can wash your hands, clean all of the items you’ve touched in your vehicle once you’ve arrived home.
There’s no need to panic at the gas station. Come prepared and know what you need to do to stay clean. Take your time and use some new-found logic to disinfecting your hands and all is good. This is the new normal.