Food Service Workers Without Paid Sick Days Worry They Could Spread Coronavirus

By John Vibes / Truth Theory

As the coronavirus spreads into a global pandemic, people around the world are starting to consider different measures to keep themselves and their neighbors safe, such as staying home from work or public places, especially if they are feeling ill. Unfortunately, staying home from work isn’t an option for many of us who live paycheck to paycheck, as paid sick leave is hard to come by, and just a few days out of work could cause a financial disaster.

For people who deal with the public, especially those in food service, being unable to stay home while sick could create a health hazard for anyone that they serve.

Writer Lauren Hough reflected on her previous experience in the service industry and shared her thoughts on Twitter about how the industry’s work culture could encourage the spread of illness.

https://twitter.com/laurenthehough/status/1232945568974016512

https://twitter.com/laurenthehough/status/1232954827417759744

Most of the people to comment on her post seemed to agree with her, and they shared their own stories of working sick in the industry.

Luckily, in some areas, measures are being announced that would help service workers if they get sick or if they are in an area that has been asked to quarantine. In Italy, one of the regions that is currently feeling the worst of the outbreak, the country’s deputy economic minister announced that they will be suspending mortgage payments for those who are unable to pay.

Legislation has been proposed in some parts of the United States, which would guarantee paid sick leave during the coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, companies like Darden Restaurants, which owns the Olive Garden, have voluntarily implemented new measures to offer employees more paid sick time.

IMAFE FEATURED: Jozef Polc

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