KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One group is going above and beyond to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at gas stations.
The Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce placed employees from its Independence Avenue Community Improvement District team at the five gas stations on the avenue from The Paseo to Winner Road.
The employees will spray down gas pump handles with a disinfectant after each person uses the pump. They will be at the stations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The chamber is also providing gloves to customers to wear before touching the pumps.
“This [virus] was thrust upon us. We don’t like it, but we are going to make the best of the situation,” explained Mike Spady, the chamber’s economic development ambassador. “Two or three weeks, however long it’s going to take we, will be here doing this.“
Beginning Wednesday, employees will also sanitize grocery carts and door handles at grocery stores on Independence Avenue.
One man called the measures over the top. Another customer said he was surprised but thankful to see what the chamber is doing.
An epidemiologist from the University of Kansas Health System said the coronavirus can live on surfaces for days, but it’s unclear whether the virus transfers from the surface to a human after a long period of time.
The chamber of commerce is hiring people to man gas stations and grocery stores. Go online to apply.
