I recently learned that Virginia is proposing additional regulations on businesses related to COVID 19. The proposed regulations deem auto service centers and convenience stores to be “medium risk.” Stores of my type, automotive service & convenience stores, are nothing like the other medium risk stores either in configuration or function. We do not belong on the medium risk list.
The layouts of our stores lend to more than 6 feet of distancing at all times. Each technician is a minimum of 15-20 feet away from other employees. Cashiers work by themselves in a kiosk.
We are not a social gathering place. Typically serve 1 to 2 customers at a time
It has been extremely difficult for my business over the past few months. I am proud that I not only have kept my entire team together I have paid them the average of their 2019 salaries. I have not passed on the extra costs associated with my personal COVID 19 response at Cardinal Plaza Shell. I will list just some of our efforts below.
1. Closed our sales office to customers. All are handled outside.
2. Concierge service for pickup and delivery of cars touch free
3. Free full service at gas pumps
4. Text to pay and a new key return machine so that pick up of vehicles is touch free.
5. Split team into two teams with expanded hours so there are less employees at the shop at any one time.
Please do not add to my stress level or financial burden by adding unneeded regulations to my business. It’s hard enough now. Please support my business and the independent automotive repair and gasoline industry in this matter.
To reiterate I'm not against the regulations just the inclusion of my business as medium risk. We are as low risk as is possible.
