Hi all, not sure if this is the correct forum for my particular problem. I work for the NHS in a non-clinical role (GP surgery) and was off for 14 days due to viral/flu-like symptoms (which thankfully have subsided).
I'm due to return to work tomorrow but my commute is a lengthy one with 2 forms of public transport. I am also living with my mother, who will be 70 this year and has underlying health conditions - I think you can see where this is going....
My anxiety has been at an all time high the past few days, as I feel I'm torn between wanting to return to work and extending my self-isolation period, in order to minimise potential risk to my mother/others in the vulnerable group.
In a way I feel so guilty for considering the stay at home option, as I know many NHS workers will still be going into work as usual. I have contacted my employer with my concerns, waiting for a reply.
Anyone else in a similar situation?
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ZM1980
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I'm kinda in a similar position. I've been isolating myself in order to protect my parents. They are only in their 50s but have serious lung and heart problems. I get with a job like yours you would feel it's necessary to go. But you live with your mom and the risk for her is to high. I wouldn't go personally if your job isn't critical.
Do you maybe have a friend or younger relative you could stay with? Someone not in a risk group? Then you could go without worrying about your mom. If your mom can stay by herself that is.
Wish you the best of luck and health with whatever you decide.
Hi Rin9, thanks for your reply. Although my mum is in a position where she can take care of herself, I don't have anyone locally I could stay with - anyone who's not in the at risk group, that is, so unfortunately not an option.
As I'm not clinical, I wouldn't say my job is critical, but still listed as a key worker, I think. Will have to wait and see what my work say!
Thanks ☺ Work replied and said they are expecting me back tomorrow - they say they understand my concerns, but transport is safe to use and that if I don't turn up tomorrow, it will count as unauthorised absence. So will either have to turn up or look into alternatives.
That sucks, I don't know what I would do if I were you. Would depend on how bad the virus is in your area. And just how fragile your mom's health is. Also how bad you need the work and if you truly think theres a real risk. There's always another job can't get another mom. I'm sorry you job is putting you in this position. But same time they can't have everyone call out.
I'd probably go in tomorrow cough and sneeze some and tell them you were feeling better but now it's like your sick all over again.
Maybe they will give you some more time off. I normally don't advocate lying but these aren't normal times.
Hahaha! Good idea, I might try that (fake illness) - in this current climate, everyone runs a mile if you cough! Joking aside, you're right, these aren't normal times - have to do what's best and at present, precautionary health measures are most important.
I think there are over 400 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in London, if I remember correctly, but I know it's highly contagious, so spreading quickly. My mother has Type 2 Diabetes, Arthritis and Hypertension, so not immunosupressed, but high risk.
I'm not even sure if my work have any protective equipment or what procedures they have put in place. Will have to check with them tomorrow. Very reluctant to go in, but will see how things go.
Thanks for your advice, hope your self isolation is going well? Will let you know how things go.
Hi, hope all's going well. Update is I decided to go into work - so far things have been going smoothly, transport is not too busy. Just being very cautious with cleanliness, trying to stay in as much as I can. One of the GPs at the surgery where I work had to leave, as he had a worsening cough! So that was a bit concerning. Otherwise, alls ok at the moment.
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