I had to have a conversation today with my son. I am 60, a life long smoker. State is opening up.

[LizBeth]

I work in customer service. An hotel that has 50-100 people checking in and an 8 hour shift five days a week. People from Washington and Calif, China and Asia, and Europe that stays with us because we are center in tourist attraction. We have a two by two Plexiglas on a 7 foot counter that we hope the customers use to contain germs. No ventilation, no windows. I was talking to a fellow liberal about them telling me I had to go back to work and her comment was, ... It would have to be safe for them to insist you come back to work.

My Governors has opened the state, phase one. But they did stipulation that people in vulnerable position should be protected.

I was talking to a person I have been friend with for decades telling her of the possibility of going back to work in this environment. She is a liberal, on our side yet she said to me, ... The work environment has to be safe to the employee if they are asking you to come back, assuming. That is naive in my opinion that people believe that conditions are in place to protect the workers.

How do you all feel about it? I live alone and even if I just get a 14 days, to a month of pain and illness, I am by myself. I have no one to help me, and I have no desire to experience what I am seeing people experience getting this virus. I have a dog I am concerned about if hospital, a month of illness that comes and goes with fever and if I will end up dead in the morning. Not to mention hospital bills that will break me.

Let me hear what you have to say, or what you feel please. My son says to say no.

[catrose]

1. I feel that your son is smart.

"The work environment has to be safe to the employee if they are asking you to come back." I haven't seen any "let's open up" governor who was concerned about the people, or any employer wanting the company to get back to work who was concerned about the employees.

[MLAA]

2. If there is any possible way to stay home financially I would.

Will they allow you to also wear a mask and gloves?

[LizBeth]

4. That is something I would have to insist on I think. The young one working skeleton crew now do not

wear masks. I would think that they prefer the we do not. But, they really like me, work with me and think I am a good employee, valued. But, the mask really is protecting the customer from me, not necessarily protecting me from the 50-100 customers.

[barbtries]

19. you should insist on a mask

that works both ways.

[LizBeth]

26. I think that is an absolute too. I do not know how they will take that. But, the are reasonable.

[BigmanPigman]

32. Get goggles too!

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/doctor-crowded-united-flight-says-passengers-were-scared-shocked-n1204446

The very, very careful doctor who appears on the news got Covid and he wore gloves and a mask and wiped everything down too. He thinks he got it through his eyes on a crowded plane and wishes he wore goggles.

I ordered some on line last night for $10, including shipping. I would get some too if I were you. You couldn't make me go into a classroom (I was a 1st grade teacher and was constantly sick) right now if you held a gun to my head. Be safe for YOU and fuck your employer who cares about $$$, not peoples' health. Think about your poor dog...it would be depressed for the rest of its life (you know how dogs are).

[LizBeth]

38. I do agree to protect the eyes, but I am real sure they would not get that. I will have to find out

if masks are ok. I do wear glasses, so that is a LITTLE and I mean a little protection.

[BigmanPigman]

44. Tell them you have to wear the goggle due to your glasses.

The goggles fit over them. I doubt they are up-to-date on the latest medical discoveries so lie to them to protect yourself. I am sure that if you tell them you touch your glasses automatically to adjust them and your eye doctor told you that is how you can get Covid in your eyes. The goggles, like gloves and masks, protect not only you but others as well. Any employer not allowing goggles for that reason shows his true colors and gives you a reason to stay far away from there.

[LizBeth]

46. Goggles, mask, eight hours a day, five days a week. Nah. To do all that to get just over minimum

wage just does not seem like the risk is worth it.

[BigmanPigman]

48. It isn't!

Even at twice the pay, your life and your possibly orphaned dog's lives ARE worth it. If you don't HAVE to go back, DON'T!!!

[LizBeth]

49. Thank you. And as silly as it is, the dog issue is pretty big for me.

Being by myself and no one to help me, my dog, right? lol. Thank you. I am just getting an idea if I am being ridiculous. thanks.

[BigmanPigman]

52. I live alone and have a little 17 year old dog.

I would never do that to her...possibly make her an orphan. She gets sad if I am gone an hour. It would kill her too if I died or was gone a month.

That is why I responded as I did, I am a dog person. Also, as a former teacher I have permanent health issues due to many years in an unhealthy environment at work and can't work anymore and am on disability due to it. Believe me, it isn't worth it. My school district did nothing until I brought my union in and they got the moldy building destroyed (the school district gave me a can of Lysol). My environment had tons of germs and I was sick 90% of the school year after the moldy room hurt my lungs and immune system. Do NOT become like me at first. Stay home for your health and your dog's sake too if you don't have a union (which it sounds like you don't).

[LizBeth]

54. Thank you for your post. It is very helpful and I agree.

[BigmanPigman]

55. Glad to hear it...stay healthy!!!!!!!!!

[soldierant]

79. I'm not even a dog person

(though I am a cat person) and, dammit, it doesn't matter whether he or she is a dog, a cat, a rabbit, a bird, a turtle, or a goldfish - that little person is part of your family. And you assumed a responsibility to him/her. The not being human makes it even more crucial.

[LizBeth]

83. +1

[soldierant]

90. I know you know all of that

and wasn't trying to preach, at least not to you. But I just get riled when people try to get us to buy in to the "It's only a (fill in the blank.)" No, he or she isn't only. He or she is precious.

[LizBeth]

91. Yes. I would have been the other, but this dog has been with me for 8 years, and a lot of it

24/7. I mean, how does one not? I appreciated your post and addressing the dog issue. Because it does matter. In my life anyway. Thank you.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

94. You're right, the mask protects others more than it protects you.

Not that it doesn’t give you some protection, but certainly not for 8 hours of high volume people.

Your son is right, don’t go, if that’s possible.

[LizBeth]

98. Yesterday was the last day and they were having a meeting to reevaluate. They didn't get

back to me so not calling me right in, anyway. Ya, I am not going to do it. Everyone's expression on this thread helped me to shift perspective feeling I really do not have to place my body in that.

[captain queeg]

3. Are you getting unemployment? If you don't go back what's the states position?

Would you lose your unemployment if you don’t report for work? Do you have health insurance thru your company? I don’t really have an answer, you’ll have to weigh all that. If you were to lose your health insurance you could still end up getting sick thru some other contact. I think the rethugs are going to use that as a hammer but sounds like you are on the west coast where the states are a bit more liberal.

[LizBeth]

6. I have ACA. I am in a blue state and phase one protect the vulnerable so I think that is on my side.

I do have unemployment now, and would like it to continue but I am considering that I have to say no, even if I do not get the unemployment. I do have savings. I am considering it all.

[Nature Man]

8. Do whatever you have to do to stay on unemployment

you might not necessarily have to lie, but don't hold it against yourself if you did.

Also, you don't have to tell them everything, just saying.

Ride it out, keep your head up.

[LizBeth]

9. My son told me tell my bosses, 60, smoke, and don't exercise. I sputtered a bit but then said, check

ego. Because this is who I am and I am at risk. Now, I am a good employee they value and they are hurting, too. they want me when they start going too. But say it the way it is and don;t sugar coat it.

You think this is ok? I mean, I have never been a wuss. I do not get sick, but I do not want to experience this.

[Nature Man]

10. It's not a being a wuss to protect yourself

You have legitimate reasons. If you're a front facing employee who deals with travelers, you're not doing yourself any favors by going back too soon.

If you're in a blue state, you stand on firmer ground.

Remember: you don't have to volunteer information. Your bosses are employees too (unless you work for a mom and pop operation), only stakeholders have skin in the game when it comes to the financial health of a business.

Don't attach morality to this. It's a business transaction. You trade your time and effort for pay. Don't internalize. Do what is best for yourself so you can help others, like your family and friends, the people who would mourn you if you died.

[LizBeth]

11. thank you so much for this validation.

I do not abuse the system, But I agree with you. Thanks for your opinion.

[Nature Man]

12. It's potentially a life and death proposition

err on the side of caution.

God bless you and I wish you all the best!

[LizBeth]

13. Thank you. I do not think I am exaggerating or making stuff up. It feels like I am being rational.

[Evolve Dammit]

66. It's not being a wuss. There is a legitimate fear most of us have about being safe when we return. I

am asking for a workspot away from the higher "traffic areas" in our office of 50 people. I will be social distancing wearing a mask and will have a bottle os sanitizer to use whenever I touch shared spaces. I will avoid the "lunchroom/ breakroom" by bringing my lunch. The goggles are a very good idea. Can probably get on-line at a work safety supplier if they won't provide at work. I wish you, and all of us, the best for our survival. It is clear we are on our own.

[LizBeth]

75. I think I would feel safer in a medical office doing clerical work. They allow mask, take it

seriously and limit traffic. Lol. To me, working in this hotel with all the bodies, old and very young, kids and babies, crying, yelling, from all over in a small space feels like regardless of the little we do, it would be inevitable.

[Cha]

5. That's a tough decision.. I'm guessing you'd like

to go back to work but at what price?

And, what would the boss say if you told them you didn't feel safe?

Best of Luck with your crisis dilemma, LizBeth

[LizBeth]

7. Exactly. I like my job, and want it, but I am not comfortable going back to this particular job, now

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

14. How about finally giving up smoking?

For one thing, smoking comprises your lungs, which is A Very Bad Thing for the Corona virus.

Plus, it should not be breaking news to you that smoking is bad for you in many ways.

So stop smoking.

[LizBeth]

15. Gosh if it was so simple. Thanks. Ya. I am on it. Every day I consider. More than a decade

on and off, working on that. My date is Saturday this time. But hey... Thanks.

[Skittles]

18. start with small steps

for example, ban your self from smoking inside, or in your car, or don't smoke the first hour you are awake - when you eventually try a real quit, it's easier if you have already broken some habits...I know, I smoked for a long time but doing stuff like that helped me quit for good

[LizBeth]

25. I get real close and then pick it up again.

I go for 30 days often enough and then I buy a pack. But you are right. I think you are right on with that, on the zillions times I have stopped. I didn't mean this thread to be about my smoking.

[Skittles]

39. see, I was on that pattern too

a few weeks off, then on again......then I started whittling the habits down to change THAT pattern and it really helped - by the time I quit for good I had really limited my smoking time.....making yourself always go outside will also help you get some exercise steps in too! Try it!

[LizBeth]

42. Totally. You are so right on. Thank you.

I have done it enough to know you are right. Thanks. I am on it. !!!

[StevieM]

104. Have you thought about trying nicorette gum?

Or some other smoking cessation product?

[LizBeth]

16. You know, talking to my son and him saying, 60 and smoker. I told him no, I do not get to use smoker

Fat or smoker is a no go. It is ... Let die. You smoke. Bad you. And my son was, no way. They are liberals. They get addictions. I told him no, not with smoking and fat.

He didn't believe me, but here you are.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

20. Part of what makes me crazy about smoking is that

the Surgeon General's report on smoking came out in 1964. A fuck of a long time ago. I have zero sympathy for anyone who took up smoking since then.

Not to mention, as long ago as the 1940's, some two decades before the aforementioned Surgeon General's report, people called cigarettes "coffin nails". Hmmm.

And since things like Covid-19 are especially bad for those with compromised lung function, meaning smokers, can you even remotely begin to think about stopping smoking?

[LizBeth]

22. I get you have zero sympathy. So, you have made it clear. You help no one.

I have already told you for over a decade I have been working on quitting. 20 days here 30 days there. You made it clear, no sympathy. What are you accomplishing here?

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

40. And what are you accomplishing by continuing to smoke?

Did you take up smoking before 1964? Were you blissfully unaware of the genuine dangers of smoking? Did you think it was some innocuous habit that hardly mattered other than to those who indulged?

What the fuck were you thinking???

It's not as though the genuine dangers of smoking were only realized last year. They've been out there for more than a half a century. So please do not ask me to sympathize with you. You took it up knowing full well that it was a truly stupid and dangerous thing.

So quit already. Stop buying the coffin nails. Recognize that you are indulging in a death invoking habit.

[LizBeth]

45. Seriously? Do you get off on this?

[SoCalDem]

81. Yes they do..They are scolds.

Always have a smarty-pants retort to "rub someone's nose in it", instead of just moving on..

I am in the same boat as you.. still (shamefully) smoking, but I do not work, so I am free to not have to decide to give up a job ..

Know it's bad for me, but as long as I can sequester myself and be careful Ill hang on for as long as I can..Not ready to die just yet.

Your life is worth more than a job

[LizBeth]

84. Thanks SoCalDem. Certainly is a special kind of person that feels that need, for sure.

[bluecollar2]

93. Just stop already...n/t

[captain queeg]

23. Yeah smokers are pariahs nowadays. You won't get cut slack for that

On the other hand I’ve seen some articles that infer nicotine actually seems to reduce covid19. Not a good reason to smoke of course, and having poor lungs certainly is a comorbidity.

[LizBeth]

24. I saw that. I Laughed. Also since 12 I have been on tums and other medicines.

I heard that helps to not get it too. I thought that funny. I would still prefer not to be a smoker and getting on the quitting again.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

41. There has been one and only one thing that seems to indicate nicotine reduces Covid 19. And

it does not seem to have been replicated.

[LizBeth]

43. Tongue in cheek, a little dark humor and irony.

[barbtries]

17. I don't think it's safe.

NC is rolling out phase 1 and I think it's too soon, and I know it's too soon for me. fortunately I am semi-retired and the one contract job that I have requires no travel, yet. By July I may need to travel to Indiana for work and will have to make a decision at that time whether I want to take the chance. But I'm 64 and have already started collecting early SS.

Can you make it financially if you don't return to work? Phase 1 in my state says people should still stay home, also they are pushing the "3 W's" - wear a mask, wait behind (at least 6 feet), and wash your hands. I think their advice is falling on a lot of deaf ears. Will your employer provide you with PPE and enforce social distancing? Have they put in processes to disinfect the rooms and all common areas regularly?

If you do return to work, it should not be the same place you left. There's a virus out there and it is extremely contagious. Please keep us posted and I hope no matter what you stay well.

[LizBeth]

21. Thank you. I really have been isolating. I went into work once and they had put up the plexi glas.

And cool. But I would have to tell them I am wearing a mask. That doesn't do a whole lot for me though. More for the others. Fingers crossed I am not asked to come back tomorrow. They said they were going to decide. I wanted to just check to see if I was being... unrealistic or overly concerned.

I can not work and be ok. I would do that I think instead of going back into that environment as ideal the job was for me at my age.

[barbtries]

29. I think that's probably the safest option.

Honestly I am more afraid of the virus than I am of dying. I have watched a bunch of youtube videos of people sharing their experience with it, plus one of my co-workers got it. It's not like any other flu. Some of the people did have very mild cases, but others barely survived, and most of them were sick for weeks. Like the worst sick they'd ever experienced.

There are masks that will also protect you. If you do return to work, make sure you have that kind of mask. If you can stand it you can also wear more than one mask. Also wear glasses or goggles because the virus can enter through your eyes. Your employer should have processes in place to keep you well distanced from your guests.

You seem to be leaning toward waiting it out. I don't blame your son for not wanting you to return to work in that environment. My oldest son actually told me to make my middle son, who lives with me, move out because he works in a grocery store. He's afraid for me and I bet your son feels the same about you.

[LizBeth]

31. Right. My boys would not come visit with me during this time. Refused for that reason.

And you are right. I never get sick, but I have heard enough people that have experiences this and I gotta tell you, not something I do not want to do and do alone. I mean 14 days to a month of pain, on and off and wondering all along if you aren't gonna wake up. I have no one in this state to help.

Thank you. I agree with you.

[JI7]

27. Don't go, not worth the risk.

[LizBeth]

28. Thank you. I think so too. I had a liberal friend on our side tell me a work place would not

have me come back to work unless it was safe. 50-100 people thru out the day in a small ventilated room from all over the world. No. Yesterday when I was trying to explain and it kind of blew my mind thinking maybe I was off kilter.

[barbtries]

30. your friend doesn't pay much attention apparently.

even if the people you work with love and appreciate you, at the end of the day a corporate employer does not care about you: you're an asset, a "human resource," and you are expendable as such. Naive to believe otherwise, and I swear I'm not a natural born cynic.

[LizBeth]

34. I was the first to walk. March 12 they stopped groups and we started with the cancellations.

I told them I would leave without pay as long as they kept my spot and they agreed. I haven't been shy or messed around but two months later, I do not want to go back yet.

[barbtries]

35. you know, if only.

If Trump and his cabal had done the right thing from the outset this would be a far different story. There would be data to guide us. As it is, it's just a total clusterfuck and now they're pushing to open up too soon in spite of how dangerous it is. It is maddening.

[LizBeth]

37. Yes.

[RobinA]

65. This

I don't think it's cynical to be realistic about any employer's concern for any employee. That is to say...none. To the Op - If you need the job you need to go back to work. You can attempt to get some concessions, drag staying home as long as possible, or maybe ask for a less customer-facing job, but in the end they can tell you to come back and if you don't they can probably fire you. Especially if you are in an at-will state. You can see if you can get an N95 mask and insist that customers stand back, but beyond that I'm not seeing a lot of options. In your situation if I was worried I'd be out there looking for a different job. Even restocking grocery store shelves would have less people contact than what you are doing.

[Jarqui]

33. They're not ready

There are a number of things that should have been done before and they're not doing them yet.

For example:
They still do not have enough testing
They do not have the infrastructure and staffing to do contact tracing.
They have not decently educated the public on avoidance ...
... in part because they still don't know as much as they need to medically
A bunch of the MAGA public is rabid and ignorant
They have nothing definitive yet on treating the illness to reduce death and reduce organ damage
They still do not have adequate PPE for medical staff or the public
They will have more medical supply shortages when the floodgates open up as they likely will due to the above

In your case, your son would like to see you hang around but with all that is outstanding above, with your condition, it's very risky to try going back to work. The longer you can buy yourself some time, the better your odds.

I don't know how quickly they'll get a vaccine. There are a lot of them in the works. But I feel with plasma, blood clotting treatment, immune system boosters, virus growth retardant approaches, etc they're likely to come up with some combination that makes a significant difference in the next 3 months or so.

Since you have experience in the service industry, you have some skills for contact tracing. They're going to need a lot of them. Why not get in the ground floor on that or maybe another job that isn't as risky (though obviously much harder to find in this situation).

Brainstorm with others for ideas on how you could get by. Please think it through.

[LizBeth]

36. Thank you for this thoughtful post.

I don't know how quickly they'll get a vaccine. There are a lot of them in the works. But I feel with plasma, blood clotting treatment, immune system boosters, virus growth retardant approaches, etc they're likely to come up with some combination that makes a significant difference in the next 3 months or so.

I agree. I think it is too soon, too. I think we may all have to get it eventually, or a lot of us, but I want them to know more about it to treat it.

I agree. Thank you

[MartyTheGreek]

50. You're addicted to Nicotine. Ok, we can fix that...

But you don't have to smoke to get nicotine. Go buy the high strength nicotine mints and when you get the urge take one and within seconds you can feel the relief. Over time, break the tabs in half to save money as they are expensive but less than cigarettes.

After a week or so, you'll have saved enough to by some vitamin D-3. Find a good brand and when you take it make sure you eat some something fatty with it. D-3 is fat soluble. Start walking your dog more and get some sun for even more D-3 and the exercise will prep you to be stronger than before.

Go buy some organic bone broth and start eating veggie stews, soups a few times per week. Minimize carbby and sugary food as they already challenge the body and you'll want all the energy and strength that you can get if you acquire covid.

You'll need sleep for rest and repair so stop worrying. Maybe buy some sleepy tea. Other supplements that help are: St Johns Wort, Zinc, Vitamin C, Melatonin, Omega 3, and Iodine. All have been mentioned by holistic doctors in my read.

Watch this vid by Dr. Schmidt.

[LizBeth]

51. K, so I am going to read this but really. If I stopped smoking now, last week, two months ago, I

still have weak lungs which make me more at risk so people really have to get past me quit smoking. It is a reality that I live, and the virus goes after the lungs, so it increases the risk, is all.

But this sounds interesting cause I am quitting again, Saturday.

[smirkymonkey]

53. Good luck to you LizBeth.

I hope you are successful. This is a good time to quit and I know you can do it. I wish you all the best!

[LizBeth]

56. I had someone tell me. Never stop quitting. It will take eventually. So, I am back on it.

But really, not the gist of my post.

[Tipperary]

59. I was never a smoker, but had a lot of smoker friends.

Two of them quit with the help of Chantix. One had the depression side-effects from it, but she got through it. She was a life-long smoker too. Honestly, I never thought she could do it, but she did. Maybe worth trying. But, I get you on the decision to go back or not. I say go with your gut. Stay home. I really think we may be seeing effects of this ridiculous quick re-opening within a few weeks. If you can hold out even a couple more weeks, you might not have to decide. I love my dogs too, so I completely understand that being a factor. Hang in there.

[LizBeth]

67. I read yesterday about the increase in Texas and Illinois. You are right, if just a couple weeks

and we see how this reopening plays out might be easier for me to stay home.

[MartyTheGreek]

62. One day of not smoking, is better than smoking each day...

The body is constantly de-toxing so anything you do to stop polluting it, has benefits and hours and days count. Please buy the nicotine mints to do this. Without it, the withdraw will be too hard.

"Inch my inch, Life is a sinche, yard by yard Life is hard." Every bit helps!

[Hortensis]

57. Say no.

Since you apparently do have that option, even if costly, it sounds like a sensible choice in your situation. Your risks also include permanent damage to your lungs and other organs.

I'm glad your son is with you on this. And check what legal rights you may have to say no. Governors don't have the only say.

[LizBeth]

69. Thanks.

It helps the decision to know I am not being overly reactive.

[Hortensis]

72. :) Sensible and responsible.

[MFM008]

58. Sorry

I know your situation.
I would be alone at my apartment 24/7 with my cat
If i hadnt opted to stay at the family house
With my brother and his girfriend and 2 more cats.
You have to do what makes you feel comfortable.

[samnsara]

60. stay home... stay safe

..I have to venture out for a needed orthodontist appt today. They have been closed since March and arent really opened for another week. They assured me only two patients will be allowed in the clinic at a time and all staff are masked and gloved...and none allowed in waiting room... and temp taken and screening before any patient allowed in building. Even tho i dont want to have to be out and about breathing other peoples air, the dental staff sure as hell dont like the idea of sticking their hands and faces in my mouth.. so Im pretty darned sure they are going to be very protected.

But they have a lot to lose being so close to me. What does your employer have to lose if they dont protect you?

[LizBeth]

70. I have to go in Monday, having procrastinated and then covid shut down.

They are very much taking precautions. I had not really considered how much the dentist are putting themselves out there, which was silly of me. Was reading when they drill, that really sends it all in the air. So when thinking about it, they have it worse than others. Face close to face.

[Vinca]

61. You have to weigh which is more important: life or money. Listen to your son.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

63. No better time to quit than now. You can do it. Both my parents quit. Food will taste better. nt

[keithbvadu2]

64. To Trump and the stock market, you are expendable.

To Trump and the stock market, you are expendable.

An acceptable loss.

[bigtree]

68. in my state, Md., it was announced the day before that the order is rescinded

...no possible way resturants and bars and other retailers actually prepared for this.

[cp]

71. Listen to your deepest self

You do know what to do for yourself and your life.
By the way, a handy phrase is, "I'm in all the high-risk groups." No need to specify any further.
Please keep taking good care of yourself and your dog buddy. Let us know how it goes.

[LizBeth]

74. You are right, I can say that and leave it at that. Thanks, I like.

[kcr]

73. I agree with your son

I also agree with you that it's naive to automatically assume protections are in place for workers. Whatever you decide, take care and hang in there.

[Cetacea]

76. Nicotine MAY kill Corona

I haven't seen any follow ups to the story. France researchers noted that out of hospitalized patients only only five percent were smokers . They were supposed to have started a study using nicotine patches, as those numbers were significant.

I think that you should remain in place. I Have two cats. One is quasi-feral and both are tame to me only. They'd perish if something were to happen to me and that is simply not an option.
Good luck to you whatever you decide.

[LizBeth]

77. This is just so interesting to me. The experience. Consider me. Think about me. I mean we do that

mostly because we see out of our world eyes. But, for a life time, I have thought about/taken care of others. I certainly take care of myself and make choices best for me. I have been good to me. But with illness and other, it is fighting the culture of taking care of other, responsible, don't impose, pay for my way mentality.

Who am I to not have a job. I always have. I have always pulled my weight and now at this old age, and with this pandemic, it is balancing more responsible not working for the time being, or with this job anyway. I do like my job and can do it physically and mentality for the next decade. But, I can easily get a job away from a breeding ground of the virus. I am so thrilled I had the conversation with son, and have listened to all of you, and your perspective. Not to mention the thumbs up to take care of me. My decision is valid.

Really is a mind adjustment. The way to see things. This whole process has had me shifting, and how I want to live life, moving forward. Minimization is a winner. Having the world stop, and springtime, and walking my dog, ... Has me thinking there are other ways to live.

Thank you.

[Dan]

78. Go to your worksite and check it out,

Using the CDC guidelines as your reference.

Where it doesn’t meet the guidelines, take pictures and document.

Once you have enough information to make an intelligent decision, do so.

Advise management (in writing/email) of your concerns - so that is documented too.

And if the decision is no, at least you have documentation on why - this will helps the lawyers if it goes that far. Plus, also should help with the unemployment insurance issue - if denied.

My thoughts.

[ecstatic]

80. Your intuition is usually right

Do you think you've been exposed already? Although, even previous exposure doesn't necessarily guarantee that you won't get it again.

[LizBeth]

85. I would like to get a test to see. The whole front desk went down the week of Jan 6.

We all experienced a version of this. Some for longer than others. On and off for others. As I said, being next to Washington and the first case, we even made a joke about it. Wasn't a cold, wasn't the flu.

[pnwmom]

82. I think your son loves you and is probably giving you wise advice.

The people who say don't worry, your employer won't have you work unless the conditions are safe -- those people are just wrong.

My son's employer had employees working for a month before they finally broke down and supplied masks -- but only one mask for the whole week, which isn't enough.

[LizBeth]

86. +1

[bedazzled]

87. I was terminated today because i won't go.in

Totally unnecessary and unsanitary workplace. I would have to wear masks but customers don't. I would rather stay alive and figure it out later. I will admit it is scary. Do what your heart tells you, and stay safe...

[LizBeth]

88. My bosses were suppose to reevaluate today and get back to those of us not working. I didn't hear

from them, so I am good to go for a while anyway. But yes, I think I will have to tell them I am in vulnerable category and not comfortable going back just yet, let the chips fall.

I am also thinking I may explore other employment that is not so much in the center of it all.

I am afraid they will do exactly what they did to you. I am sorry they did that, putting you in a tough place. I would just keep doing the unemployment and leave it at that. Technically, I have been laid off already.

[bedazzled]

89. Oh i won't get unemployment. I supposedly quit

Thanks for your kind thoughts. It was a harmful job to me, physically and mentally. I will do better. Hope you can too! Bless your compassionate heart

[bluecollar2]

92. Until 10 years ago I was a smoker so I feel your pain

I was a smoker.

Then I had a heart attack.

I'm only a couple of years older than you.

They had to intubate me and sedate me for 6 days because my lungs weren't up to the job.

I remember not being able to breathe. It felt like I was drowning.

As I was removed from sedation I noticed my hands had been immobilized so I wouldnt try to remove the tube myself.

It was the most terrifying experience of my life.

You really do not want to experience what I did

I urge you not to put yourself in a position where you might get infected and have to be intubated.

The only silver lining to the cloud is I haven't had a cigarette since the day I was wheeled out of the hospital.

I believe that one of the factors that helped me quit was the 24hr per day oxygen regimen they put me on.

Quitting is tough...I know.

Good luck and PM me if you need any help/info.

[LizBeth]

97. Two weeks, 30 day, longest 32 days. I have done it more times but I do not know why I can't get

past that. It is not nicotine addiction, because that is out of body and not what is calling. It is something else, the emotional connection to smoking. But, I have ANOTHER quit date Sunday. It is not even hard when I quit. I get a bit into it and say to self, see, didn't die. Which is kind of ironic cause the cig is what kills not getting off so I always get a chuckle.

I am glad the monkey is off your back.

[bluecollar2]

100. I know how you feel luv...

Been there...

Even after that the trauma I faced I was tempted to buy another pack....

That went on for at least 30 days.

I promise you it will get easier the longer you go...one day at a time or 5 minutes at a time.

One thing that worked for me was to spend as much time engaged in activities or at locations where I couldn't light up.

Libraries...beaches...parks...anywhere will work.

Also. I found drinking a glass of water every time I got the urge helped.

[LizBeth]

101. I ordered four face masks but takes forever to get. I am not going out much now, but yes.

Get those and get out and about in open spaces. I really want to get to Lowes. Paint inside, flowers out. Thanks. And thanks for understanding, lol. Some really have a challenge with that.

[End Of The Road]

95. I'm in the same position you are, LizBeth, almost exactly.

I turn 66 at the end of this month. Also a lifelong smoker. I was married for 34 years, until almost a year ago when my husband announced he wasn’t happy and moved out (ON my 65th birthday). Our divorce was only finalized last month. I was barely coping with the emotional and financial shock of divorce when - bam! - along comes Covid-19.

I live alone with my two chihuahuas and three parakeets. I have no children, and my closest blood relative lives 1000 miles away. Luckily, I’m not faced with having to make a decision about going back to work, but my finances are extremely tight, my small investment portfolio is tanking, and I live in an expensive city.

Here are some things I have done to lessen the stress, I hope they might give you some ideas to help you out.

I have a good friend who shares much of my practical and spiritual outlook on life and death (an animal lover as well). She agreed to be my medical power of attorney and trustee of my pets if I find myself on a ventilator (or dead!). I trust her to make caring decisions should the need arise. I had the legal arrangements drawn up. Huge load off my mind.

I have a neighbor, a widow, even older than I, and struggling with the same anxieties as you and I. She now has a key to my house and I a key to hers. We keep an eye out for one another, send each other a text message every day or two. I’m no longer worried about dying in my bed and not being found for weeks.

That leaves the biggest anxiety — even if I don’t get sick, am I really going to have a life again?
I don’t know how many years I have left. Will I laugh again? (l light another cigarette here).

We have a finite amount of energy per day, and I was wasting a lot of mine in angst about things over which I have zero control. So I am now concentrating on exactly how I would LIKE to live my last years, and taking what steps I can to make that happen. Who knows if I’ll achieve my dreams, but I’ve found positive forward-thinking has lessened my fear and depression. I wear a mask and social distance, but I do leave the house now and enjoy it.

I’m sorry that this doesn’t directly address your back-to-work concerns, I hope it’s of some indirect help.

Best wishes.

[LizBeth]

96. Interesting post and I hear you.

What very expensive state do you live in? I do to and seeing if you are close. I am in Oregon. I am sorry you are going thru what you are.... I am going to talk to my neighbor today> I do not know why I didnt think of her sooner. We arent friends, but I can certainly give her key and she will do something with my dog, can call my sons that live in a different state. Thanks for that.

[End Of The Road]

99. Austin, Texas. It USED to be a great place. nt

[LizBeth]

102. I know Austin well. Of all the places in Texas, that is not bad. And I hear you.

[quakerboy]

103. Reopening is not about safety

Not even the most liberal governor is looking at reopening because it is "safe" to do so.

Its a money decision. Our liberal Governors are balancing scientific measures of safety with the money decision, and the Con's are not. But either way, even at its best, its a choice of money vs acceptable casualties.

[Alwaysna]

105. Try to keep an open mind and be open to new ideas.

There are more options than that job or no job. Be flexible (but not regarding your safety) . I don't know enough of your circumstances to make suggestions. For example, would you be open to working in the laundry area ?
I have a home health worker that comes to my home and helps with housework. She's in her 60's & smoked too. She has minimal contact with others except for the clients.
Even though it's financially scary think of alternatives. Who knows you might end up with a different way to earn money that you are happier with.
Your friend is wrong. The government is creating laws to protect EMPLOYERS from lawsuits regarding covid.