How to be safe when your home needs repairs during the coronavirus pandemic

Life happens, even during a pandemic. The washing machine breaks, the sink leaks, the stove goes cold. For months, you’ve been limiting house guests. But this is different: You need a service technician. Having someone breach your safe space is not without risk, so it needs to be done carefully.

Six feet is the rule for safe distancing outdoors. Inside, because there’s not as much air flowing, it’s best to stay “as far away from that individual as you can get,” said infectious-disease expert John Swartzberg, professor emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health. “I would wear a mask so I wouldn’t infect the service person, and I’d expect them to wear a mask, so they wouldn’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 before they even come into my house.”

Something else you can do: Open doors and windows. The fresh air may dilute any virus that might have hitched a ride with the service tech. Running a central A/C may also help.

How homeowners should handle plumbing, housecleaning and other services during a pandemic

Keep in mind that workers are worried about their safety, too. By keeping your distance and asking about precautions, you’ll help put them at ease. Put on a mask before you answer the door, then keep it on while you’re both in your home. Place hand sanitizer near your home’s entrance or in the area work area. If you leave — or stay in a different part of your house — give the service person your cellphone number so he or she doesn’t have to hunt you down.

Home repair outfits are trying to adapt
The coronavirus pandemic has created enormous challenges for repair pros who need to be inside homes to do their jobs. They know many customers are anxious. Checkbook contacted several top-rated service companies to find out how they’re responding to the new reality.

“It’s kind of stressful for our guys because some people are freaked out,” said Adam Bell, co-owner of Durance Plumbing in Takoma Park, Md. “We have elderly customers or those with newborns who’ve canceled at the last minute or as we’re showing up, which makes the schedule a little crazy.”

Source: https://wapo.st/31b2lhj