Question

Question.  I am an essential worker and still going to work.Question. I am an essential worker and still going to work. My husband is actively working in our home. Our nanny comes to look after our 2 year old 3 days a week. We practice hand washing and keep things as clean as possible. Thus far I have not requested our nanny to wear a mask but I’m considering it due to this multi system Kawasaki symptoms in children. Thoughts? I’m sorry. I left out the fact that my nanny also works at target and I am working as a home health nurse with one kiddo

Answer 1

Are you going to wear one while she is there? If not, then it’s kind of hypocritical to ask her to.  

Comments

Best comment. if the kids and you are not wearing one then it doesn't work. the cloth masks only work if everyone wears them.  

---

@secondclass she works at target too and I work with one child as a home health nurse

---

@shawnna I’m not judging you either way, but trying to see it from the nanny’s perspective

Answer 2

Just boost the kids immune system.  

Answer 3

Unless you are going to be wearing a mask in the house as well, it would seem silly to have your nanny do it.  

Comments

You’re an essential worker who has higher risk of being exposed than your nanny who is likely only going to her home and yours

---

@sills I’m sorry. I left out the fact that my nanny also works at target and I am working as a home health nurse with one kiddo

Answer 4

You’re more at risk to spread than the nanny. In my opinion. You’re an essential worker and I assume she just comes by your house?  

Comments

@autotomize she also works at target and I am a home health nurse taking care of one kiddo

---

Hmmm yeah that’s complicated. My only concern is that non healthcare people ( no offense to others) touch their masks a lot and just cross contaminate. especially if she’s watching a baby for hours.  

Answer 5

It couldn’t hurt to have your nanny wear one. Go with your gut.  

Comments

@cull5032 not sure what my gut says here

---

@shawnna it’s a crazy time, right?  

Answer 6

Dr. Fauci says masks are not really doing anything.  

Comments

@fino what date was this? He definitely changed his mind since.  

---

Sixty Minutes. Not long ago.  

Answer 7

Wearing a mask for long periods is very hard. You can easily get dizzy and pass out from the lack of proper oxygen. It's a miracle the healthcare workers are doing such a great job when the mask can tire you out rapidly. I almost passed out in the store shopping and I wasnt chasing after kiddos. You have all been exposed to each other already. I am a nanny and a mom and under these conditions I would not ask her to wear the mask. The only reason would be if you felt that she wasnt practicing good self care and protection or putting herself in real danger. but then you would have a different issue on your hands. Also. it seems late to the game. I. could see you considering this in the beginning. but why now when they are going to slowly open life up again? Just my thoughts. Good luck!  

Comments

@conyers because of the new multi system symptoms appearing in children but otherwise good points, thank you

Answer 8

I would jus have sanitizer on hand and have the whole family wash their hands.  

Comments

@sullivan96 dome already. Thank you

Answer 9

I’m a nanny and I couldn’t imagine my family not trusting me and my judgement when I’m out of their house. I’m doing the best to keep myself safe let alone their kids. I’m always masked when going to the store and anything else I feel I need to do. If anything ask her to take her temp in the am before coming over but unless you are wearing a mask all day then it’s wrong IMO to ask her to wear one. You just as equally could pass something to her or your kid.  

Comments

@logotype5092 agreed, and taking temps doesn't even really help. We only run fevers about twice each day.  

---

@logotype5092 thank you. I absolutely trust her.  

Answer 10

Honestly with the kind of contact that caring for a toddler requires. I’d assume the mask won’t do anything to prevent transmission for that level of interaction. I would provide an abundance of gloves for diaper changes and cleaning supplies and sanitizer everywhere and encourage their use but if a caretaker needed a mask to care for my toddler for them to be safe I’d opt out.  

Comments

@nabob thank you

---

@shawnna you are welcome  it’s a tough call trying to figure out what to do in these super weird times.  

Answer 11

Personally I dont think it'd be unfair to ask her to wear a mask to chase around your toddlers. They're hard to breathe in and like other's have said, you have more of a chance of catching and spreading it to your family (and to her) than she does.  

Answer 12

I am a nanny and of the family asked me to wear one, whether i have another job elsewhere or not, either we all wear them or no one does.  

Answer 13

Thank you everyone for the comments. It’s difficult to know what is the best way in this situation. I appreciate everyone’s feedback