So one of the guys here at work has been at Daytona Beach Bike Week all week, now we hear that someone from New York, who has also been at Bike Week has tested positive for Covid-19. I am in a higher risk group of people that would be affected by this virus more than others, I'm 63, have COPD and have had pneumonia 5 times already with 2 of those times in both lungs. My doctor has told me previously that the next time I get pneumonia it will probably kill me. So I realize the chance of the employee having been exposed is probably low but this virus also seems to be highly contagious so I told my boss I am not comfortable with him coming back to work next week and if he is allowed to I will probably stay home. Am I over reacting? What would you do in my situation?

what you describe of your health history. i would stay home if they show up at work.

Well what are the potential? costs of staying home?

I don't know, and nobody yet likely knows if one can catch a mild form of COVID from the Daytona attendee and you can build some immunity from further potential exposures.

I suspect we need to mentally prepare that a lot of people will get this.

I am not convinced that your risk with the Daytona connection is any greater then using your local ATM with the way things are going.

I have a Dr appointment today regarding back surgery 2 weeks ago. I'm debating telling the receptionist I'll wait for a phone call in the car when Dr is ready to see me, rather then sit in a room full of sick? people. We'll see.

In your case, staying home sounds like the most reasonable solution.

Why take the stress?

Why take a chance?.....Staying home is the best way to avoid contact.

I’m not a person to panic easily, but this is a little more serious than I thought. Especially for us older folks. I don’t have to work around people and it’s already getting hot in Texas, but the news from Italy does not sound good. My wife just got back home from Seattle visiting her daughter. Her daughter just got back from a medical mission in Kenya. Everyone seems fines right now. I know the chances of infection are low but you have to be concerned. She’s planning a trip back to see her daughter graduate nursing school in May. That may be a bad idea. Who knows? It looks like at the rate of closings and cancellations of events, there may not be any flights, much less a graduation to attend. If I were you and had your health, I’d get the other coworkers to pressure the boss for him to at least get a two week vacation to see if he comes down with something.

Your LIFE...is more important than any job. Do what you need to protect yourself.

This!!!!!!!

Your reaction does not seem unreasonable to me.

But we are probably only at the beginning of this situation. And by all accounts, there will be more, likely many more people infected. If that happens, and it comes close to your workplace again, would you even know it? And even if you did, what then? And what about shopping, getting a haircut, gassing up at the gas station, etc, etc........

In your situation, at some point, are you considering a total self isolation?

I agree,I'd stay home.

We have been considering just heading to our place in the mountains of WV. That would screw up our long range plans for the future though so we have just been kind of waiting to see if this slows down in the warmer weather. It's already in the 80's here daily and looks to be staying that way for the foreseeable future. We can live for 3 or 4 months or maybe more without working but I really don't want to take that hit if I don't have to. If worse comes to worse I'll just have to retire and take what I can get for our house here in FL.

Personally, I wouldn't chance it (especially with your health history but I am NOT a doctor), you might contact your doctor for advice.

From the CDC-

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend these simple measures to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2:

1- avoid close contact with people who seem sick
2- try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
3- stay at home if you are sick
4- sneeze into a tissue, then throw it in the trash
5- if there are no tissues to hand, sneeze into the crook of your elbow
6- use standard cleaning sprays and wipes to disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
7- wash your hands with soap regularly for 20 seconds

Unless you are a health worker or are caring for someone who is sick, the CDC do not recommend wearing face masks. The tips above might seem simplistic, but during an epidemic, these are the best ways to make a difference.

Daughter works at a hospital and has been coughing a lot but this is due to being pregnant and the position of the baby. Several of her coworkers expressed uneasiness about it until she explained why. I told her I would have a large badge made telling why she was coughing. The baby has moved and she isn't coughing nearly as much now.


Tim

I would stay home until you know you are in the clear.

X2! I am trying to get a phone conference for my upcoming medical appointments. Stay home Mr.Jones! We need ya!

I don't think you are overreacting at all. My personal cardinal rule is that when push comes to shove, the only person you can depend on is yourself. I am curious, what was your boss' reaction when you had your discussion with him?

He understands and is concerned himself. He is going to have a meeting with our GM about it today. Our GM's wife is a VP in a very large health care organization here so he should be well informed on this.

x3. Stay safe.

Ask your doctor for a letter, and by all means stay home.

Better safe than sorry.

It is on you to take care of yourself.

Well before 70% of the workforce gets it you wont want to be there.

The only over reaction is you asking someone else to stay home that may get the virus.

Perhaps everyone at work including customers should stay away?

No disrespect intended!
Thank you!
Kevin

Ha ha, so asking ONE person that has been to an event where someone has tested positive to stay home is an over reaction on my part? Have you ever been to a Bike Week? I'm thinking not. Would have asking the ONE guy that has now tested positive to stay home been an over reaction as well?
This guy made the decision to attend the event, I didn't and neither did anyone else here. So HIS decision is now a potential threat to everyone else here but I'm over reacting? I don't think any of us should be subjected to this because of someone else's poor decision.