Nanny just revealed she is not wearing mask to shop -- WWYD

[Anonymous]

Our nanny is truly wonderful and has been with us for 6 years. However, she is a big conspiracy theory enthusiast and does not believe that the current pandemic is that serious. She was telling me that she met a like-minded person at Aldi yesterday, and they started talking because neither of them were wearing masks.

We have given her masks, explained that we would like for her to wear one if she goes out, especially shopping. Have no idea what to do. We both work full time, so we really need her, and more importantly our kids love her beyond words, but how do we handle this and keep everyone safe & happy?

[Anonymous]

I would part ways with her gently and kindly. Six children have died from COVID 19 and the NYT just today reported a strain of the virus that is only hitting children (although no deaths reported) with symptoms of rash, vomiting, diarrhea and intense stomach pains. Some kids are currently on respirators.

When all this is over, most likely another year, you can ask her to come back. Meanwhile she can face time with your kids to make the loss easier for them.

[Anonymous]

So is she not social distancing either? I don't think I'd be comfortable with having her come back. I am so sorry.

[Anonymous]

While I do not think it is fair to dictate how a Nanny should or should not behave during her off hours, in a situation such as the one we are all in now there are exceptions that should be made.

While this is all unchartered territory, it is likely safer to err on the side of caution & have a Nanny who shares your belief that taking the utmost precautions these days is vital in how we will eradicate this virus.

[Anonymous]

I thought you couldn’t shop at grocery stores without a mask.

[Anonymous]

I’d cut her loose before she brings Covid-19 into your house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought you couldn’t shop at grocery stores without a mask.

It depends on which state you are in and which store you try to enter.

[Anonymous]

Most masts are just two pieces of cotton so the protection is absolutely minimal. I would be concerned but how often is she shopping? Once a week is no big deal, every day I'd be concerned.

[Anonymous]

I am a nanny.

I would absolutely part ways with her. This is insane to act the way she does.

Protect your family first

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought you couldn’t shop at grocery stores without a mask.

I just returned from grocery shopping and many people were. It wearing masks. I was surprised as Giant only allows 150 people in at a time and a sign on door says they must cover mouth.

[Anonymous]

I would question her about social distancing and her actions re the pandemic
I think these are even more crucial than just wearing the mask in public
And simply let her know your family position on the matter and why you cant keep her if she is not following the recommended guidelines

[Anonymous]

The problem is that you asked her to wear a mask and she is not doing so. While you can't force her to do it, she has shown you how she feels about you. I wouldn't even believe her if she says she is starting to wear one. We aren't having our nanny work right now but we are going to have to have her come back in the fall because we can't continue working from home with two young kids forever, and I am worried because I know she plans to be back in her gym as soon as they reopen. Her husband also still has to go into work every day, which is one of the reasons we aren't having her come now. We really like her but I'm torn about what to do because we can't ask her to live apart from her husband, nor can we forbid her from going to the gym, but I also don't want to fire her. I was hoping this would be better by fall but obviously it isn't going to be.