Harriette Cole: My co-worker says I need to understand why she comes to work sick

DEAR HARRIETTE: I found out that a co-worker of mine was still coming into work even after testing positive for COVID.

We work at a restaurant, so it is very dangerous that she was handling other people’s food while ill.

When I found out that she was positive, she told me that I needed to be understanding of the fact that she’s a single mother and that if she doesn’t come into work every day to earn her tips, she’ll have nothing.

Should I report her?

Working While Sick

DEAR WORKING WHILE SICK: Guess what? Thousands of employees all over the country are doing the same thing that your co-worker is doing — because they need to work.

Should you say something? Yes, I think you should, but you may want to approach it from a big-picture view.

Suggest to your boss that they give employees rapid tests once a week to ensure their health and the well-being of their customers. Point out that you believe that people have been coming to work who are COVID-19 positive, and it concerns you. Keep it vague if you can, especially since you cannot prove your co-worker’s status. But make the main point that in order to keep the restaurant safe, the management needs to put safeguards in place.