Patient Zero Intelligence

(I work at a retirement home. Many of the people that work there are less concerned about cleanliness than me. I’m in the maintenance/cleaning department. An outbreak is occurring and we are required to kit up in masks, gowns, and gloves on entering any rooms with sick patients. As my coworker and I are leaving a room, dressed up in all our gear, we hold the door open. A personal support worker (PSW) comes in, without wearing any gloves. Half the building is sick and it is very severe.)

Me: “You need a mask, gloves, and gown on, [PSW].”

PSW: “No, I only need it when I’m cleaning up puke.”

Coworker: “You’re going into an outbreak room. Everyone needs to wear them.”

PSW: *closing the door* “No. It’s not worth bothering with.”

Me: *to coworker* “Bet you five bucks she’s the first employee to come down with it.”

Coworker: “No way. Easy bet.”

(The PSW was the first to get it, as were several of her friends who agreed with her.)