Massachusetts Car Washes Can Re-Open On May 25

[broadstreet zone=”52093″]

BOSTON – Under the phase one re-opening plan by the Baker-Polito administration, car washes are permitted to re-open on Monday, May 25 with some restrictions.

Car washes were deemed non-essential and had been closed since late March.

[broadstreet zone=”53820″]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidelines include:

Social Distancing

• Ensure at least 6 feet of separation between individuals
• Assign workers to individually designated work areas; increase physical space between workers; stagger work schedules
• Stagger lunch and break times, regulating maximum number of people in one place and ensuring at least 6 feet of physical distancing
• Face coverings are required for all workers, except where doing so is unsafe due to medical condition or disability
• Physical partitions are recommended where physical distancing is challenging (e.g., cashier) and should be taller than a standing worker

Recommended best practices

• Improve ventilation for enclosed spaces where possible (e.g., open doors and windows)

[broadstreet zone=”59945″]

Hygiene Protocols

• Ensure access to handwashing facilities on site, including soap and running water, wherever possible and allow sufficient break time to wash hands frequently; alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol may be used as an alternative
• Supply workers at workplace location with adequate cleaning products (e.g., sanitizer, disinfecting wipes)
• Require frequent cleaning and sanitation of all high-touch areas such as desks, door handles, and restrooms
• Post visible signage throughout the site to remind workers of the hygiene and safety protocols

[broadstreet zone=”59984″]

Staffing and Operations

• Provide training to workers on car wash safety standards, up-to-date safety information and precautions including hygiene and other measures aimed at reducing disease transmission
• Limit washing services to external surfaces of the vehicle
• Customers should line up in their cars at facilities with automated car washing
• Customers should stay in their cars throughout the carwash process
• Adjust workplace hours and shifts (leverage working teams with different schedules or staggered arrival / departure) to minimize contact across workers and reduce congestion at entry points
• Maintain a log of workers and customers to support contact tracing (name, date, time, contact information)
• Workers must stay home if feeling ill
• If the employer is notified of a positive case at the workplace, the employer should notify the Local Board of Health (LBOH) where the workplace is located and work with them to trace likely contacts in the workplace and advise workers to isolate and self-quarantine. Testing of other workers may be recommended consistent with guidance and / or at the request of the LBOH.
• Post notice to workers, and customers of important health information and relevant safety measures as outlined in government guidelines

[broadstreet zone=”80100″]

Recommended best practices

• Workers who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control (e.g., due to age or underlying conditions) are encouraged to stay home
• Workers are strongly encouraged to self-identify symptoms or any close contact to a known or suspected COVID-19 case to their employer
• Encourage workers who test positive for COVID-19, to disclose to the manager of the office for purposes of cleaning / disinfecting and contact tracing
• Encourage contactless payment methods

[broadstreet zone=”59946″]

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Conduct frequent cleaning and disinfection of site (at least daily and more frequently if feasible)
• Keep cleaning logs that include date, time, and scope of cleaning
• Conduct frequent disinfecting of heavy transit areas and high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, bathrooms)
• In event of a positive case, shut down site for a deep cleaning and disinfecting of the workplace in accordance with current CDC guidance