I want to take an opportunity to talk about something that isn’t necessarily tech related. I thought about whether to post about this or not. What rambled in my brain was the fact there is something to learn from the situation. I hope it helps with anyone during this pandemic.
Answering the Call
For some time now, I have been working in the offices (we oversee many) in the Chicagoland area. I’ve been trying to avoid going if possible. However the amount of work needed to be done on premise has increased. This made me consider the risk and go in anyway. Late last week, I answered a call from someone in the company that someone contracted COVID-19. I was at that property that week when that person was there. Knowing this, I was inclined to take further action. This included informing my team, working from home immediately, and getting tested for the virus.
Experience
Working from home is quite normal for many employees and with the amount of time i’ve worked from home, I was fine with it. I quickly went to get tested at CVS, but unfortunately, had to wait 8 days (takes 6 – 10). It also occurred to me that if i wanted to work before 14 days, you had to test negative on two different tests.
I wanted to mention that I received my test results back with the status being negative. I’m not surprised as I felt healthy, and experienced no symptoms listed. I also recollect the day I was in the building with the infected employee, I was in a different part of the building majority of the time. So why do I bring this all up? Because none of the things that try to prove I don’t have weight until I got the results. For all I know, I could feel fine, but be a carrier that spread this to others. That’s why I was obligated to quarantine at home. It was not ideal by any means. It was annoying as I wanted to go to places (hang out with friends & family, go to the gym, etc.). The only thing I did that required leaving the house was getting fresh air or riding my bike.
Takeaway
If anyone reads this and considers this bragging or just me trying to prove i’m better than others, then you’re missing the point. I was annoyed with this process. I planned things to simply enjoy my week and to be productive and this ruined it. Add in the fact that i’m feeling fine makes it additionally annoying.
Despite how i felt, this wasn’t about me. It’s about the general public and looking out for others. I couldn’t definitely prove I don’t have it, so I had to wait until then. I want to protect others the best way I can. It’s bad enough that, the week this happened, I went to six other work buildings. If i disregarded the situation, I would continue put additional people in harm’s way.
I guess I wanted to convey what i’ve learned in the past few months. We need to be willing to drop some conveniences in our lives for the greater good. Wearing the masks, standing six feet apart, avoiding crowds, not being able to go to events as they are closed. All of these things we truly enjoyed and had apart of our routine are compromised to some degree. I’m not saying it’s easy, fair or fun, but if it means that we reduce the cases significantly, it will be worth. Before you know it, we can go back to our “normal” lives, and maybe even appreciated the things that were prohibited. I hope this was helpful and enjoy your day!
You did the responsible and mature thing. We wish more people in your age range would do the same. This is not only about YOU it’s about those around you. Many people, young and old, are experiencing many side effects of this virus months after they are “cured”. One young teen is still in a wheelchair due to muscle fatigue—3 months after he tested negative. This is nothing to mess with and by being responsible you accept that as truth. Good for you and your sacrifices.