I had to cover for a coworker who called in the past couple days who I heard tested positive for COVID. It’s an overnight shift I was filling in so it was a big pain in the ass but whatever, I did it, but to my surprise my boss texted me that I could go back to my normal shift today. I figured they got somebody else to cover for this coworker.

Well I come in this morning and they are at their desk working, wearing a mask (which I appreciate). I figured maybe it was just a rumor that I heard they had COVID, so didn’t think much of it, but still avoided her because I didn’t want to risk getting sick.

Well halfway through my shift, now working at the same desk she was working at earlier, I’m talking to another coworker who confirms to me that she DID test positive for COVID. I asked why she came back and he told me that our boss just understood why she didn’t want to burn through her sick time now that we don’t have separate sick time for COVID. I understand and empathize but…it’s COVID.

Is this just what we do now? Is this where we’re at? We’re supposed to go into work and our employers let us and encourage us even if we have COVID? Remember how this thing killed millions of people? I’m not the type that’s still wearing a mask and I know everyone who is vaccinated is a lot more immune now but it does not feel right to me. Am I overreacting here or is this very irresponsible? I feel gross just working at the same desk as her, even after sanitizing it.