COVID-19 : Gas company insist they need to enter my home

ComicGeek

I think that the government has done a really good job of scaring us in order to keep us at home. Now we need to control that fear, and get used to a new normal, little steps at a time. In terms of risk, this is absolutely minimal provided that you control it - it would probably feel like a huge win if you can do this first step. There are suggested steps above, and you can also look at how you can restrict the time they spend in the house and limit what they can touch.

Takmon

Frugal_Noodle said:

p00hsticks said:

gettingtheresometime said:

Why not spend a little energy in coming up with a workable solution such as asking if you can be one of the last houses to be looked at?

A good idea, but as the OPs main concern seems to be that the engineer will somehow be contaminated by neighbours who aren't practising social distancing, then it may be better to ask if they are first in line ?

It's not simply about my street though. This guy will have been going into houses for weeks and weeks. The work is sweeping through the area, street by street, and has been for weeks. Imagine this guy goes into ONE house, with his mask over his chin (neighbour asked the engineer at the door if they change their masks and gloves fresh for every house like the website claims, and he admitted they dont). In this house, an OAP that lives there looms over him and, just trying to be nice, offers him a cup of tea. Now, if that engineer has the virus. He then enters a series of houses, touching stuff, not using his mask properly, talking with a number of people, and 1 in 5 of them doesnt social distance. The engineer then stands outside talking with one of his colleagues doing the work out on the street, only a metre apart. Imagine all those points of contact. Imagine all the cracks in this armour of social distancing.

It's not just my neighbours. It's these guys going in and out of tens or hundreds of homes at a time when we are being told by the government not to even visit a single relative as it is dangerous and we could infect someone, risking their lives.

If you are that concerned all you need to do is ask him to change his gloves and mask before entering your home and that you will provide disposable ones if he doesn't have any spare and then when he is there make sure everyone is at least 2 meters away from him. The risk will be minimal and no different than going to work, no need to refuse entry completely. 

mr_stripey

If you're sensible there's no reason this should pose any significant risk.
I've had plasterers, electricians and plumbers in my house in the last few weeks. I go out to work. I go shopping. Most people are sensible about it and do their best to avoid direct contact. It is not possible I think to avoid ALL contact.

The gas pipe replacement will take place anyway. If they can't verify your appliances are safe, they'll have to isolate your supply (I would think). That might be a lot more inoconvenient. 

Are you sure you're not just being obstructive for the sake of it?

bradders1983

Is anyone in the house actually shielding as a result of a letter or is this what I call "tin foil hat" territory?

JamoLew

If you stay >2m away from him and clean any surface after him you are at no more risk then bringing food etc into your house
Please don't let the media (and other people) make you too afraid to be sensible

Grumpy_chap

While the OP has their concerns, at some point the OP has to work up a solution that allows essential utility service providers to access the property and deliver the service that the utility providers are obligated to deliver.  There does not look like a vaccine or other similar solution is just around the corner.  It is for the OP to think about how they will facilitate this rather than just putting obstacles in the way.  There have been some good ideas in this thread, but the OP has dismissed them all, so I won't repeat.

poppy12345

This virus isn't going to go away anytime soon. Are you planning on not letting anyone into your home until it has? Stay 2 metres away and wipe all surfaces down once he's left.... that's not too difficult to do.

epm-84

Have you read the government guidance on allowing workers in to your home: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes

If so which particular sections are you concerned with and have you addressed these concerns with the gas company?

sharpe106

I am assuming they are wanting to enter your property to make sure it is safe after the change. So surely not letting them in is a risk? They check for a reason not because they are bored and they would rather be doing that then going home themselves. 

gettingtheresometime

ComicGeek said:

I think that the government has done a really good job of scaring us in order to keep us at home. Now we need to control that fear, and get used to a new normal, little steps at a time. In terms of risk, this is absolutely minimal provided that you control it - it would probably feel like a huge win if you can do this first step. There are suggested steps above, and you can also look at how you can restrict the time they spend in the house and limit what they can touch.

Exactly.
My mum has been saying for weeks she's had enough and she's going out - now they have said it's ok she's scared stiff to do so.