Just because we’re in community quarantine, doesn’t mean our lives grind to a halt. Trade and commerce must continue, and we all need a paycheck to motor through this pandemic.

For those who don’t have the option to work from home or must report to work a few times in the week, you can opt to ride the radically scaled-down public transportation system or get a brand new car.

If you’re leaning towards the latter, here’s what to expect at the dealerships. While stuff on the daily news may have setup your expectations already, I bet you’re still going to get weirded out at the start.

What to expect

Before going to any dealership, it would be highly advisable to call ahead and book an appointment. Yes, book an appointment to check out a car or to have it serviced. If you’re getting your vehicle serviced, definitely set an appointment. This will allow the dealership to sort their daily schedule to make sure that proper safety and health protocols are enforced.

Toyota has opened up a site for owners. Go to HERE to pick a dealership, book an appointment, and even get service cost estimates.

Why? Because physical distancing will be strictly implemented and unlike before, 100 customers can’t be accommodated all at the same time.

Upon entry

Bring your face mask because aside from the fact that’s it’s legally required under the law, dealerships have made it mandatory as well.

Body temperature will be strictly checked at the door, both for employees and customers. Nobody will be allowed entry if they register a certain temperature (some dealerships put it at 37.3° or higher, others at 38°), so don’t take it personally.

Once inside, you have to be at least one meter away (two would be better) from anyone in any location inside the dealership, whether it’s the transaction area, customer lounge, service reception, or showroom. Nobody is allowed to be seated side by side and only two people will be allowed per table.

Some dealerships have even altered the layout of their floor in order to physically distance people, so you’re going to have to get used to the new look. It may seem daunting and frankly at little scary, but don’t stress. There will be markers and labels in the right places to guide you along.

Others have asked employees to take breaks at different times of the day in order to reduce the total number of people in the workplace interacting with customers at any given time.

Sanitation

It may look very OC (obsessive-compulsive) but get used to seeing staff continuously sanitizing the dealership — from the door knobs, all flat surfaces, even the display and test drive vehicles, and basically anything that gets touched a lot by people.

Of course, every guest is requested to observe proper hygiene for everyone’s safety. If you didn’t bring your hand sanitizer, dealerships will surely have some at the entrance, exit, and anywhere there is heavy human traffic.

Speaking of the staff, all employees will be required to wear personal protective gear of some form. It may be face masks, a face shield, and gloves, but I wouldn’t be shocked if someone greets me wearing a full hospital gown.

Kia has gone over and above the call of duty by procuring COVID-19 rapid test kits and checking their employees every two weeks to make sure you’re safe.

The electronic route

All customers are highly encouraged to try cashless transactions like online payment or credit cards to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.

Still don’t want to leave the house? Try Ford’s remote sales support system which lets a Ford sales professional take you through the whole auto shopping experience so you don’t have to leave the safety and comfort of your home.

That will be the SOP for now. I know it’s not the good, old-fashioned way we’re all used to but it’s better than nothing. COVID-19 has really done a number on everyone, so remember to do your part when you go to a dealership, that way we get back to the real normal ASAP.

By Eric Tipan