coronavirus

[psvdriver1]

Hello I`m new to this I`m currently self isolating as I feel I`m at risk. I am a bus driver and deal with cash and lots of elderly people so I wondered how long to isolate as I see conflicting reports varying from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Can anyone shed any light on this. I spoke to the doctors reception this morning and they just fobbed me off by saying look at NHS website which I think not very helpful or informative.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hello @psvdriver1

I can understand your worry and anxiety, especially since your work puts you in close contact to a wide variety of people.

Official advice is that people with diabetes are ‘strongly advised’ to be as careful as possible with social distancing.

The suggested 12 week full isolation is reserved for people who are immuno-compromised, on chemotherapy, on dialysis, recently had transplants, and a number of other extremely high risk factors. They are being notified by letter.

[Withdrawn] [Withdrawn] Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK

www.gov.uk

So for you the advice is only social distancing, which includes:
- working from home where possible(!)
- avoiding rush hour public transport(!!)
- avoiding close contact with others (!!!)

So I can see that the Government‘s advice would be very hard for you to follow fully in your role. Have you been in contact with your work to se if they can support you further? Perhaps a temporary role which is not so public-facing?

 

[psvdriver1]

Thanks for that. I could ask them to change my role, but the only other role Iwcould be offered is driving at a day centre which would defeat the object. There is no office jobs available as there are enough jobs covered in there so my only option, I feel, is to isolate myself as long as possible

 

[grovesy]

Thanks for that. I could ask them to change my role, but the only other role Iwcould be offered is driving at a day centre which would defeat the object. There is no office jobs available as there are enough jobs covered in there so my only option, I feel, is to isolate myself as long as possible

Do you not have a screen between you and the passengers , the buses here do.

 

[Tee G]

Hi @psvdriver1 - Thats a hard job to do at times like these, coins/notes are one of the dirtiest thing we touch! I know many people these days use Oyster cards and contact-less cards & passes, but i can imagine you still come into contact with a fair bit of currency. I can see why you would be worried.

What has you employer said about you self isolating? Have they offered a cut in shifts, to maybe cut down exposure? You will need to think carefully about your situation, going off work may cause you financial loss/hardship? Will your employer pay you if you choose to self isolate? You will need to adopt a very self aware stance about where you put your hands if you do go back to work. Do you have a hand sanitiser on board? What a difficult situation it is for you.