Howdy Partner, Hold Your Horses: A Deep Dive into the "Can I Work With Covid Texas" Tango
So, you're feeling a wee bit under the weather, the kind of under the weather that makes you question your life choices (like that extra helping of jalapenos at Taco Tuesday). You sniffle, you wheeze, and a thermometer reading like a rocket launch countdown confirms your suspicions - you've wrangled yourself a case of the ol' COVID-19.
Now, the important question (besides the burning desire to raid the Tylenol cabinet): Can you mosey on into the office and potentially infect your entire team like a herd of happy hour zombies?
Hold onto your Stetsons, because the answer is a resounding: NOPE, NADA, NO WAY JOSE!
Here's why, sugar:
- The Sheriff in Town (aka The CDC) Says No Way: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), basically the marshall of all things germ-related, has some mighty clear guidelines. If you're sporting COVID symptoms, you gotta stay home and social distance harder than a loner at a hoedown.
- Howdy, Lawsuit City: Think about your poor employer, bless their hearts. Letting a sick employee waltz in can land them in a heap of legal trouble. You don't want to be the reason they're two-stepping with a lawyer, do ya?
- Be a Buddy, Not a Biohazard: Let's face it, nobody wants your germs. Your colleagues have families, dreams (that don't involve dodging a cough-nado), and immune systems that would rather tango with a rattlesnake than COVID-19. Do the neighborly thing and self-isolate until you're healthy as a horse again.
But Wait! There's More! (Because Texas-sized problems deserve Texas-sized solutions)
- The Work-From-Home Hoedown: If your job allows, mosey on over to your computer and get down to business virtually. Just, you know, mute your mic when that cough decides to make a surprise appearance.
- The Power of PTO: This is your chance to unleash your inner champion napper and become one with the couch. Paid Time Off is there for a reason, use it!
The Bottom Line:
Playing Lone Ranger with COVID at work is a recipe for disaster. Stay home, quarantine like a champ, and get well soon, partner! In the meantime, there's always Netflix, puzzles shaped like Texas, and perfecting your air guitar skills to keep you company.
Remember: A healthy you is a happy you (and a happy team is a productive team... but that's a story for another time).
