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The fallout from the spreading coronavirus is being felt by a Hixson auto repair shop.
Midas of Hixson Manager Gareth Rogers said he had to temporarily shut down the business, at 5231 Highway 153, and lay off two employees Thursday after an employee told him that his spouse had been tested for COVID-19 and they were awaiting the results.
“We’ve tried to be proactive and put some measures in place,” Rogers said. “We ordered gloves and have been having all the techs use gloves on every vehicle. But then what happened today, it showed [those measures] just weren’t enough.”
After learning that he and his employees, as well as a number of customers, had possibly been exposed to the virus, Rogers called and spoke with an epidemiologist with the state Department of Health, who gave him guidelines to follow going forward, he said.
“We’ll all have to self-quarantine for seven days and wait for the results. And if they come back positive, we’ll have to quarantine for 14 days,” he said.
He called 10-15 customers Thursday and told them they wouldn’t be able to pick up their cars until they had been disinfected by Midas employees, who will use ozone generators to kill any viruses that may be present.
“Everyone was understanding,” he said. “There were a couple that were very concerned, and I just let them know that as soon as I was made aware [of the test results], they will be first ones that I call.”
Rogers said the response of his customers was understandable and heartening, but it’s hard not to worry about what the future may bring.
“I’m concerned about the business at this point,” Rogers said. “It’s taken three years to build it to this point. And now we’re at a level where we’re getting our name out into the community. This has shut that all down. I’m concerned about my wife’s health and my grandchildren. Our daughter is having a baby soon, and we won’t be able to see them for the next week or so.”
Contact Colin Stewart at cstewart@timesfreepress.com.