Fuel pump coronavirus rumour is debunked – but users should still take precautions
The Irish Health and Safety Executive has debunked a rumour that the coronavirus is being spread rapidly via fuel pumps – but let’s all remember that we should still take care when using them.
The simple fact is that the pumps at petrol stations are used by many people every day and you don’t know how clean those people are.
So it is advisable to use gloves, or a paper towel that you can put in the bin straight away, wouldn’t you agree?
The Irish Examiner has stated that that country’s HSE has denied a WhatsApp rumour that it had told hospital staff that COVID-19 is being spread rapidly via the pumps at fuel stations.
It said no specific guideline was issued but people should follow advice on the ‘Protect Yourself and Others’ section of its website.
Many service stations there are taking extra precautions, with most providing disposable gloves which can be thrown away after fuelling vehicles. Others are allowing only staff members to pump the petrol.
The rumour has spread to the UK as well, being reported by The Sun and other publications.
The advice is the same: take appropriate precautions and be clean.
Source: HSE debunks WhatsApp rumour linking petrol pumps and Covid-19
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Commonsense is the key here, be sensible and not stupidly paranoid.
I have a diesel car so I usually use the disposable gloves anyway at the pump because of the smell – so they are available.
What worries me most is an obsession with cleanliness may lead to an overly sterile environment which could help MRSA thrive, so be sensible.
Maybe I’m a bit neurotic but I’ve always been aware of bacteria, virus or just plain dirt on these and other things such as cash dispensers etc. So I always use gloves or tissue and/or handwipes immediately after using them It’s basic common sense, irrespective of this new virus.
I know you’ve used the word ‘rapidly’, but, isn’t it obvious that this is highly likely to be an excellent third party source of transmission Mike?
If people are coughing/sneezing etc, that will definitely land on the hands of those who are careless, and therefore, there is every chance that fuel pump handles (along with every other touchable surface), is going to be a potential source of infection, so people should be taking precautions regardless?!
Exactly my point.