Covid Risk

Hi there--

I've been super cautious about Covid/long Covid. Between my CD and now chronic migraines, I don't need anything else to deal with. In the year I've been on Stelara I've had a number of sinus infections, and find myself slow to heal from cuts and things. I don't feel like my immune system is operating at full capacity, and so I'm still masking, avoiding crowds, etc. I know that studies are showing IBD isn't at a higher risk, but I am trusting my instinct to be conservative about this.

My work is having a staff development day next Friday for 450 employees. We'll be spread throughout a 6 floor building most of the time, so I'm fine with that. However they are packing us all into ~4,800 square foot room for opening remarks (30 min) and a closing awards (60 min). I've asked HR what precautions they are taking and they told me it's on me if I choose to wear a mask. They reluctantly offered to reserve me a spot in an area with more social distancing. They won't clarify if that's a section in the same room or somewhere else. A co-worker is going through some workplace accommodations and is having allergic reactions to fragrances. They gave her the same offer. My intent is to wear an N95 mask all day, and I'm going to refuse to be in the big special events room. I figure the worst that happens is they write me up.

I've never had any workplace accommodations before. I've been searching around for any tips on dealing with this scenario and to understand what rights I do have. Do you have any ideas I can pursue?

Thanks for any input.

Hello, I am not worried about Covid. I am worried about the devastating effects of long Covid. I was recently laid off from a job where I could work 3-4 days at home and 1-2 day in the office. But I've found a new job which allows me to have a private office, even though I have to be in the office everyday in the first several months.

@sparkleplenty: have you been fully vaccinated? I have had 2 primary doses, followed by a booster last November, and followed by a bivalent booster last month. Also, I was infected by Covid in May of this year. So I have strong immune protection as of now. My Covid immune system (antibody) from the bivalent booster is supposed to reach its maximum protection 4 weeks after the injection and is supposed to last about 4 months. If you have had the bivalent booster shot, your chance of Covid infection is low. Even if you are infected, your chance hospitalization from Covid is even lower. As such, your chance of developing long Covid is quite low.

I also plan to wear a mask. Not an ordinary mask, but a N-95 mask. Remember it filters out 95% of the pathogens. You have to wear the mask consistently and strictly. Do not take it off even for a few seconds. Before you touch your face or remove the mask, thoroughly wash your hand or use a CDC approved hand sanitized. Do not eat lunch or drink liquid with others when you have to remove your mask.

If I were you, I would feel comfortable sitting on the last row of the big conference room with a N-95 mask on, with the recent vaccine protections and recent Covid infection.