I'm a veterinarian. My company has made some modifications, but not enough for me to feel comfortable. I have asthma, so working in close quarters with my team AND seeing 20-25 clients/day is just too risky for me.
I'm currently using some PTO that I had available. My company just decided to give an additional 2 wks of sick leave for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, or a need for quarantine, or anyone who is determined to be at high risk. So I'll use that next. After that, I'm planning to go on unpaid leave.
I have plenty of freelance work and a healthy emergency fund, so I'm not all that concerned about finances. More concerned about whether I'll be comfortable heading back to work in 12 weeks and, if not, will I lose my health insurance coverage and need to go on COBRA?
startingsmall: in case you would like a starting point for suggesting best practice the below is what I received from the vet practice I use. When I went in last week they had hand sanitiser on the reception desk for clients. I understand that the virus can live on pet fur for a while.
Our team is here to provide an important veterinary service to our clients. Should you and your pet need us during the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ve prepared some helpful guidelines.
Please contact us the day before your appointment on: Tel: [redacted]. We will then contact you by telephone on the day of your appointment to ask you questions about self- isolation/ any health concerns.
If you need to visit us to collect food or repeat medications, please call us first.
It may be appropriate to arrange a telephone consult with one of our vets. Our telephone consultations are available by appointment. Payment is easy and can be arranged over the phone when booking your appointment.
You may be advised that your pet needs to be examined at the surgery following the telephone consultation.
If you are self-isolating we will ask you to arrange for someone else to bring your pet to the surgery. The veterinary surgeon will be happy to speak to you by telephone before and after the consultation.
To protect you and our veterinary team, we ask that you also call us on arrival so that we can ask you some questions before entering. You may be asked to remain outside whilst your pet is examined and treated.
We’d be grateful if you keep to one person per pet when visiting our practice and help us by sanitising your hands on entry and when leaving.
We take the well-being of our clients, their pets and our practice colleagues seriously and thank you for your co-operation and understanding at this time.
We will keep you updated.
Kind regards
Your veterinary team