Car Dealerships/Face Masks.

[Bigbad]

I’ve got to take my car in next week for a minor problem.
I’ve opted to wait. (3 - 4 hours).
Anyone know if a mask will be compulsory in the waiting area?
If so, I may have to make alternative arrangements.
I couldn’t wear one for that length of time.

[ToraToraTora]

they wont give a rats April whether you wear one or not.

[woofgang]

My local dealership has said masks must be worn. Maybe they have a collect and delivery service?

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Took our car in for service and MOT last week and public seating area was closed off so no waiting allowed. Might be an idea to check before you go.

[Bigbad]

It was either wait 3/4 hours or leave it all day, so the waiting area is obviously open.
Too much hassle to get home without a car.
Not many busses, and my nearest bus stop is a mile and a half away up a main road with no foot path.
I could walk to the city if I had to, but I’d still need a mask in the shops, I hate shopping, and have nothing to get anyway.
Perhaps they can lend me a chair and I can sit in the corner of the car park!

[Vagus]

What you could do, if you do have to wear a mask, is sit inside with the mask on for as long as you can bear it, then take a walk outside and stretch your legs without wearing one.
Then go back in and sit inside with the mask on again, then have another walk, and repeat, until the car is ready.

[ladybirder]

Is there bench nearby you could sit on?

[Bigbad]

The only other things nearby, are other car dealerships, Ladybirder!

I’ll have to play it by ear and probably do what Vagus says.
I know the BBC weather app is as much use an ashtray on a motorbike, but it’s currently saying rain with storms for that day!

[BAKERS DOZEN]

You don't have to wear a face mask just a face covering so you could just wear a loose scarf which might be more comfortable for you.

[THECORBYLOON]

Do you have a physical or mental condition that gives you a "reasonable excuse" for not wearing one? Asthma or any other breathing difficulties for example?

[Bigbad]

Nope, and as tempting as it is, I’m not going to pretend.
Anyway, thanks for the replies.
I could contact the dealership and ask, I know, but whatever the answer, the car needs fixing.

[ladybirder]

Mine is going for a service and MOT in two weeks' time and it will be collected and returned at no cost to me. If their customers, are at work they will still offer that service.
IF you don't need to use that dealership because of warranty etc I would find a more obliging garage.

[carolegif]

Collected a new car after lockdown, had to wait, ordered it before! Always had to wear a mask in the showroom. Self distancing and car had to be sanitised. No one allowed in the car but us. Same with people collecting cars being serviced.

[woofgang]

I have just booked mine in for october (service and MOT) I have been a customer there for 9 years and they are very good. I enquired this morning and was told if I wanted to preserve my MOT anniversary and use the pickup and delivery service I should book soon so I have. They normally say oh its fine, no rush to book so I believe them. Its not as though they are scrabbling for custom from me as I prepay the service in monthly instaments and the MOT is free.

[New Judge]

//Nope, and as tempting as it is, I’m not going to pretend.//

//I couldn’t wear one for that length of time.//

So it will probably cause you "severe distress" then? See regulation 4.1 (a)(ii):

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/791/regulation/4/made

[Bigbad]

The car is perfectly driveable, the problem is with the sat nav - no display, so can’t be used (I did call the technical help line first).
It’s still under warranty, but I feel it’s a bit much to use the collect and return service for something so comparatively minor.

[Bigbad]

Thanks, NJ, but I’ll leave that for the genuinely ill, and those of a weak disposition, of which I’m neither.
I doubt anyone would feel comfortable wearing a mask for up to four hours, even the most hardy among us.

[woofgang]

I am guessing that the garage would rather people used the pick up and drop off service as it gives them less people to worry about.

[New Judge]

//...as it gives them less people to worry about.//

In what respect should they be worried about them, woofy?

[teacake44]

Seeing that their car has not even entered the service area since its been there. :0))))