25 weeks pregnant working in congregate care setting

[Anonymous]

I work as a clinical supervisor for counselors at a long-term care facility. I was able to WFH for a few months while my counselors I supervise continued to go in person to provide (modified) services for the residents. I was asked to return to work 2 weeks ago (no good rationale other than our President and CEO are “worried about people WFH in the summer”). So I returned to work without questioning it, wasn’t too worried—but now there is another outbreak in two of our buildings; 15+ clients and staff have contracted it, with one being hospitalized. Granted, I don’t work out of either of those buildings (we have 5 residential buildings within a few Miles of each other) but staff come and go between those buildings and the one I’m in. There were 2 positive cases in the very beginning from my building but none since. My question is: would you put up a fight to WFH knowing the conditions and the new article that the CDC came out with? I’m generally not a worrier about physical health/sickness stuff but my husband is very angry that I wouldn’t ask to WFH still.
*side note: I’ve grown closer to my boss over the last few months and she also is semi-dismissive of the virus. I feel like it will be awkward and she will think I’m hypocritical (knowing I’ve gone to Target and my hair salon but wouldn’t be willing to go to work) if I talk to her about it. WWYD?

[Anonymous]

Also adding that this is my 3rd pregnancy and I have a 2 and 3 year old at home (who don’t attend daycare, my mom lives with us and watches them FT).

[Anonymous]

I would say something. Your health and the health of your developing baby trumps all IMO. But I would probably also turn more towards delivery for shopping if you can and I personally am not getting my hair done any time soon (also 25 weeks).

[Anonymous]

I would still request to WFH, but it was ridiculous that you got your hair done so don't be surprised if she says no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would still request to WFH, but it was ridiculous that you got your hair done so don't be surprised if she says no.

Really? I don’t think that’s how this is supposed to work.....

[Anonymous]

How well can you distance from other people in the facility? Do you share an office? When you meet with people, can you be 6+ feet apart with masks? Meet outside when possible? Those things would make a big difference to my comfort level.

[Anonymous]

I would fight for WFH. In the end, your job doesn’t care about you and won’t deal with any issues you have, if you get Covid and it impacts the baby. That will be all on you. You need to advocate for yourself. No one else will.

[Anonymous]

The new article has made me push for WFH until I deliver. The information is scary at 5 times more likely to need ICU and ventilation. But, I have also been locked down since March. My husband does all grocery shopping. I go on walks with my kids but they don’t play on playgrounds or with other kids. I have not been to a salon, restaurant, grocery store or any other indoor building other than my doctor. We meet up with my sister outside and stay 6 feet apart. So I feel like I am doing everything I can to stay healthy and feel fine asking for accommodations.

I would imagine you would have to be willing to share a change in lifestyle with your boss. “After reading this, I am no longer (Going to store, getting nails done).. and am also asking to work from home.