Conventional wisdom says that staying home is best whenever you’re sick. Coughs, colds, the flu, and infectious diseases such as the coronavirus aren’t just contagious, they require you to rest.
Unfortunately, an estimated 20 million Americans go to work while sick every year because their job doesn’t provide sick days.
Other precautions include washing one’s hands for at least 20 seconds, because sanitizers are only second-best.
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U.S. workplace law may be exactly the reason why illnesses such as the flu and coronavirus spread so quickly.
Many countries around the world offer sick leave because it’s the law, but the U.S. doesn’t. Many top companies only extend this courtesy to workers that are well-educated and paid highly. Low-wage workers typically don’t have this benefit.
Restaurant servers, customer service representatives, even people who work at warehouses that ensure your items are shipped after you order them online—all of these occupations tend to be low-wage. They typically don’t offer paid sick leave that allows workers to stay home and prevent infecting others.
Considering the high cost of living, low-wage workers usually can’t afford to stay home even if their job allowed them unpaid days.
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Even if you work at a high-paying job that offers you this necessary perk, you likely eat out, get gas, or buy coffee from places that employ people without sick leave.
For everyone’s safety, it’s important to make sure people can stay home without worrying about their finances.
How would you make sure people can prevent infections of airborne diseases?
Your ideas and suggestions are welcome in the comments section!
