Outsourced communication provider Moneypenny has launched a new online self-screening bot that can assure dealers that their customers have not been exposed to Covid-19 before visiting a showroom.

The new tool is designed to help dealerships and mechanics to check prospective customers are in good health before they visit by asking four key questions. 

It will ascertain whether any one is self-isolating, has any Covid-19 symptoms, has come into contact with anyone who has or is suspected of having the virus or if they feel unwell.

Joanna Swash (pictured), chief executive officer of Moneypenny, said: “We’ve developed this tool specifically to offer extra reassurance and give confidence to the sector and because it seemed a very natural extension to the support we already offer automotive businesses.

“By using the bot, businesses and consumers will have extra reassurance that both parties have been screened for symptoms before they come into contact with each other, and companies can rest assured that they’ve done as much as possible to protect visitors and staff.”

Businesses can choose to integrate the bot into their online booking system, or simply share a link to a brand-customised page which hosts the bot. Users access full analytics via their own individual portal and receive a real-time response email for every completed questionnaire to their chosen email addresses.

“This is not a substitute for observing social distancing and extra hand hygiene, but an extra layer of safety and due diligence to help the automotive market thrive again. With an incredibly simple set up that takes less than 24 hours and no long-term contracts, we expect Self-screening Bot to be a very welcome tool for UK dealerships and garages,” Swash added.