Via Electronic Mail

March 29, 2020

The Honorable Bill Saffo

Mayor of Wilmington
City Hall
102 North Third Street
Wilmington, NC 28402-1810

RE: Wilmington COVID-19 Response

Dear Mayor Saffo:

On behalf of the North Carolina’s franchised automobile, truck and RV dealers, and especially our
Wilmington dealers, thank you for all of your efforts to protect the citizens of Wilmington during
this current COVID-19 crisis. As you know, our dealer members stand ready to help their
community in any way possible and to provide transportation and essential goods and services.

It is our understanding that the City of Wilmington will soon be considering additional measures
regarding the COVID-19 crisis this coming week. In light of the recent Executive Order 121
issued by Governor Cooper this past Friday, March 27, 2020, we respectfully request that any
similar order issued by the City of Wilmington be consistent with the Governor’s order as to
allowing local dealers to support the transportation needs of Wilmington residents and other
businesses that provide essential services.

As you know, Executive Order 121, specifically declares that “automobile dealers” and “auto
supply, sales…auto-repair” businesses are Essential Businesses and Operations in the State that
may continue to operate during the statewide stay at home order, provided certain other measures
are adhered to, including maintaining the Social Distancing Requirements specified in the Order.

We feel strongly that maintaining the availability of a constant supply of motor vehicles is
absolutely essential to enable healthcare organizations and individuals employed by other
"essential businesses" to operate. Reliable transportation is nothing less than essential. This is
why the Governor’s Executive Order classified both motor vehicle sales and repair as “essential
businesses.” Both motor sales and service are now being performed by motor vehicle dealerships
in a manner which encompasses avoidance of mass gatherings, social distancing, and a high degree
of cleanliness and prevention of viral transmission.
Mayor Bill Saffo
March 29, 2020
Page 3

As noted above, Governor Cooper’s Order, while allowing Essential Businesses and Operations
to continue to service the citizens, implemented the following requirements:
• Requires COVID-19 Essential Businesses and Operations, to the maximum extent
possible, to direct employees to work from home or telework.

• Requires COVID-19 Essential Businesses and Operations, to the extent practicable, to

maintain the following Social Distancing Requirements:

a. Maintaining at least six (6) feet distancing from other individuals;

b. Washing hands using soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds as frequently
as possible or the use of hand sanitizer;
c. Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces;
d. Facilitating online or remote access by customers if possible.

In addition to the Governor’s Executive Order 121, we have seen other best practices included in
other local orders, including the following:

• Maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals;

• Covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve, elbow or tissue, not hands);
• Not shaking hands;
• No more than 10 customers allowed in the showroom at any one time.
• Designate six-foot distances with signage, tape, or by other means, six-foot spacing for
employees and customers in line to maintain appropriate distance;
• Hand sanitizer and sanitizing products must be readily available for employees and
customers;
• Separate operating hours for vulnerable and vulnerable customers should be implemented
if possible; and
• Posting online whether a facility is open and how best to reach the facility and continue
services by phone or remote.

Certainly for dealers specifically, additional measures such as disinfecting vehicles after test drives
including wiping down handles and steering wheels are practices being undertaken to ensure
customer safety.

Again, should the City of Wilmington decide to issue its own “stay at home” order or similar
restriction in addition to the Governor’s Executive Order 121, we respectfully request that the
order declare that automobile dealers and auto sales, repair, and maintenance are “essential
businesses” that may still operate while maintaining necessary social distancing and adhering to
other measures that protect the health of all involved. We also ask that you review these issues
Mayor Bill Saffo
March 29, 2020
Page 3

with New Hanover County leaders and local Health Department officials for their consideration
as well.

This is a matter of critical importance to the fight against COVID-19 and the health of the citizens
of Wilmington and our State, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with you
further.

Sincerely,

Robert Glaser T. John Policastro

NCADA President NCADA General Counsel