“Going back to work question?”
I am 67 years old and at least 90 lbs overweight. I have COPD. I sang at a small Italian restaurant Friday and Saturday Nights from 6-9 pm for 4.5 years until Covid closed everything here after March 7th, 2020. Now, on Feb. 1st, 2021, I have had the first dose of the Moderna vaccine and will get the 2nd dose approx. Feb 25th. My boss keeps asking when I'm coming back to sing there. My P.C.P. said normally around 2 weeks after the second dose...however she also said that she would not go back to my job under current conditions. Being this-open for indoor dining, all employees wear masks at all times, diners, once 3 seated, DO NOT. I'm expected to sit in a corner of this enclosed space for three hours each night, sing, unmasked, unprotected. My doctor said that even being vaccinated, that would be playing Russian Roulette with Covid-19. I do not want to be on a respirator.
Male | 67 years old
Complaint duration: 0
Medications: Symbacort, Spiriva, Albuterol
Conditions: c.o.p.d.
5 Answers
You definitely are a member of a high-risk group. You have every reason to observe what one may call extreme caution. Meanwhile, as long as you are able to maintain a fitting distance to those who could possibly be infectious, wash hands frequently and in general observe good hygienic practice, there should be no reason why you cannot go back to work.
Still ongoing issues re newer strains and less likely to be less reactive to vaccines
Dr. C. Marlo Baird
Preventative Medicine Specialist | Public Health & General Preventive Medicine
Cherry Hill, NJ
A) You are vaccinated 2/25 & should expect March to be much safer, than previously.
B) consider wearing a large protective face shield. They allow for singing or eating. You may want to have them "available" for customers seated at tables near your section (or make it a menu item, for sale!). Perhaps it will start a trend at that restaurant!
C) Consider is there a safer spot to sing? Does it make sense?
D) Timing: If you start a bit later, & refrain from a break, would you be more comfortable with less 'exposure' (less moving around is less touching a source)? If you time one entrance & then close with the restaurant closing, are you able to reduce some guest interaction?
E) Practice the elbow tap, or alternate "no contact with face or hands" acknowledgement, if you are comfortable.
F) Double glove, take off the top glove if possible exposure of touching something.
G) Keep your wipes & sanitizer handy & wipe down any mike or head set before use.
H) Start on an OFF night, for a short session. You will probably figure out you can do a little & the full role from before is probably not needed as much now.
I ) Practice your singing with a mask, in case the 'gut feeling' to protect yourself even further shows up. Perhaps there are certain songs you pull off a bit more confidently in that situation? Or sing your first song that way every night.
J) Air purifiers come in small personal versions, get one for your "spot".
B) consider wearing a large protective face shield. They allow for singing or eating. You may want to have them "available" for customers seated at tables near your section (or make it a menu item, for sale!). Perhaps it will start a trend at that restaurant!
C) Consider is there a safer spot to sing? Does it make sense?
D) Timing: If you start a bit later, & refrain from a break, would you be more comfortable with less 'exposure' (less moving around is less touching a source)? If you time one entrance & then close with the restaurant closing, are you able to reduce some guest interaction?
E) Practice the elbow tap, or alternate "no contact with face or hands" acknowledgement, if you are comfortable.
F) Double glove, take off the top glove if possible exposure of touching something.
G) Keep your wipes & sanitizer handy & wipe down any mike or head set before use.
H) Start on an OFF night, for a short session. You will probably figure out you can do a little & the full role from before is probably not needed as much now.
I ) Practice your singing with a mask, in case the 'gut feeling' to protect yourself even further shows up. Perhaps there are certain songs you pull off a bit more confidently in that situation? Or sing your first song that way every night.
J) Air purifiers come in small personal versions, get one for your "spot".
I agree totally with your doctor.
Thanks for the question. You should not be indoors without a mask and distancing. Sorry.
