I'm really trying not to freak out

I am working in area where the cases of Covid-19 are doubling every day and a half. The death rate is running at about 15% for my age group. Yeah - I'm a geezer - get over it.

I do DTV installs, upgrades and repairs where I go into 3 to 4 houses full of strangers every workday.

I listen to NPR on the radio where Dr. Fauci and the CDC tell me that infected people can spew this death virus days before they even know they have it. So what does it matter if I ask if anyone is sick - they won't know until 3 days after I was there so I could still have been exposed.

Randall says my life is worth an extra five bucks but my wife's Cardiologist says if I bring this home - she is dead. Is that money worth that? I used to smoke back in the 80's when we all did that and I had TB as a kid - so my own odds are not above 50/50. Is the five bucks worth it?

I was once military and was in more than a few real deal combats - but at least my gun had bullets. I was scared in firefights - but never terrified because I knew I had a chance.

Now - I got nothing - no bullets. No masks other than the two Home Depot ones I had left over from some DIY drywall repairs at my house 4 years ago. I have some Harbor Freight gloves I had for working on my cars. Out of hand sanitizer, out of Clorox wipes. I'm at war out here and instead of bullets for the gun I got a bar of Irish Spring soap and happy thoughts from Dallas HQ.

This company threatens to write me up on steps of discipline for not having a third cone by my truck. They write you up for short sleeve shirts, for no hardhat in an attic, for no water in your jug - but when you really need PPE - masks, gloves, alcohol, bleach - anything - I get told don't call us again.

All for five extra bucks and some change.

I never thought I would sell my soul for so little.

Comment! It's anonymous!

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https://www.foxnews.com/media/immunologist-possible-cure-for-the-coronavirus

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/03/trump-cdc-recommends-cloth-face-covering-to-protect-against-coronavirus.html

https://www.foxnews.com/health/half-people-coronavirus-have-no-symptoms-data-show

No job is so important to not take the time to avoid all possible infected humans. And wash your hands. Who knows where they have been!

@1qzk+14eLpm7r That was a serious reply. I have a high risk family member, I contacted HR, they told me that I could use the PTO only if I'm high risk, not a family member.

It's very minor and under control. Going away soon.

@svf+14eLpm7r looks like you never read The Serious Reply Only

I would start banging everyone raw

Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist. Go out on disability for stress.

No need to contact HR. They don't card if you bring it home to a high risk family member.

It seems that you can get the virus by just breathing the same air which a sick person exhales. It doesn't have to be a sneeze. So keep that in mind. There are ways to make your own air filters. A local vacuum cleaner store here is doing just that. The problem with the filters is that they don't often seal around the edges and air gets in there. Perhaps that is better than not wearing a filter.

Whatever you do don’t even contact HR! They're there to protect the company...not there to help you!

who's freaking out? man up

any manager that threatens their employees with discipline action during this time is a low life. get a life and start looking in the mirror (GROW UP!). but it seems att wants those kind of people managing because that is something my last manager I had before I left on my own would do. I guess they are an image of stank and randy.

Leave the job: quit, get a doctor to disable you orwhatever. Don't risk your life.

I think you know the answer to this quandary. As advised earlier, contact HR to see available options. If you are threatened with disciplinary action, contact the Union, hopefully you have union representation. If you don’t and you’re considered a Contractor, you have a life decision to make. Maybe the first is to refuse to go into homes. You’ve stated your reasons why. Put them in writing and hand a copy to your Supervisor. If they insist and fire you, let them. Your next move is to get a lawyer and sue. Call the local TV Station and expose them. Call OSHA. God Bless you and your Wife. Be smart, be healthy. Good luck.

Why are you there? Clearly this is a time to make a decision and move on.

I can’t help much, but i want to do anything i can.

Im on childcare leave, so i pretty much never leave home now. I have some extra gloves, Clorox wipes, and hand sanitizer to can send to you.

Let me know. I can post my Reddit handle or something, and mail it to a UPS store. No name needed.

Installs and upgrades are not essential, case might be able to be made for ‘repairs’, but even then , DTV is not life-sustaining. There are many other services customers can use to get news and entertainment while quarantined. Go to HR, as ATT has already put many medical provisions in place, maybe you just aren’t aware of what your options are. If you get denied/threatened with discipline, keep going - to your Mayor or Governor, the local news....

First thing I would tell you is downplay this virus. However, it appears that you and your wife are high risk and that is not good as long as we dont have medication to fight it. I'd say take that paid leave and stay home.

Most places have essential personnel that if it came down to it would be the ones who are expected to be there and yes we are first reponders in many ways.

Best and worst post I’ve ever read on this site. Makes me so sad. I’m sorry for your predicament. It’s awful.

OP couldn’t have said it any better. Every home should be treated as if it’s infected because there’s no way to tell!

Don’t go inside houses you’re the one that has to protect yourself! I would never go inside until this is over!

Florida techs are in extreme danger, their id–t governor refuses to issue a statewide order like other states lots of retired fold bout to die. Stay safe out there.

I found out quite a while ago this company doesn't give a rip about people. Only the bottom line. Period. Your life means nothing to these charlatans. Your career means nothing. The health of your family means nothing. Calling HR won't do a bit of good. HR is there ONLY to protect the company. Period. You're on your own. And that is just plain wrong.

I would write an e-mail to your HR person and copy their boss and ask what accommodations can be made.

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I'm really trying not to freak out

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