We have put together a few things notaries can do to reduce their exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19):
When setting the appointment, ask if anyone in the house has been in contact with anyone known to have the virus. If yes, turn the appointment down. If no, ask them to please wash hands before the appointment.
Carry hand sanitizer for your hands and handy wipes for pens, thumbpad, ipad, iphone and computer.
Have the signers use their own pen, not yours, but suggest they wipe it before using it.
Never lick your fingers to turn pages. Use a rubber finger instead, but wash it when you wash your hands. Throw-away rubber gloves are also an option.
Have the signers use hand sanitizer or wipes before and after using your thumbpad.
Make your appointments quick; no lingering, telling jokes and chit chatting. When you get to the car use a wipe on the door handle and wipe down the steering wheel.
Carry a wipe to open doors without touching doorknobs.
Don't shake hands with anyone. Just say "hi" while keeping your distance. Bumping elbows or knuckles is still contact and should be avoided. The customer will appreciate your caution.
Advice from our members:
I carry pens all the time to help those who do not have the exact color required for that particular lender, but my pens are in a plastic baggie, individually wrapped in sanitize wipes, changed out as used. I have practiced that due to colds, flu, and other contagious virus for a very long time.
Did you know that the custom of shaking hands began as a way of showing someone that you were not armed?
The history of the handshake dates back to the 5th century B.C. in Greece. It was a symbol of peace, showing that neither person was carrying a weapon. ... Some say that the shaking gesture of the handshake started in Medieval Europe. Knights would shake the hand of others in an attempt to shake loose any hidden weapons.