So here's my predicament. I am a death worker. I work for an embalming agency. I go in and out of hospitals, hospices, rehabilitation places, and even into people's homes I speak with families, I remove the deceased, and then I transport them to either be embalmed or cremated. I take pride in what I do and the role I play for families during this time and transition. One Hazzard however, is that I'm in and out of these places during a pandemic. I have come into contact with people and places that may or may not be contaminated but it's my job and I do it. I take every precaution I can and I treat every case that I get with the utmost respect care and diligence.

Outside of my work I have a 13 year old son. I also have a wonderful boyfriend. It pains me to know that we all have to stay cooped up inside currently for the most part. I'm sure it's driving everyone crazy and for some at the very short drive LOL but I also know that when all is said and done I am on the front lines when it comes to this pandemic. It pains me to know that I am more likely to encounter this than many others and that's I'm more likely to bring it home to my family. That knowledge gives me the drive each and every time I go out to make sure I'm washing my hands sanitizing wearing protective equipment Etc.

Now my boyfriend wants to go and visit family and friends etcetera and that causes me concern. It causes me concern because each and every day I go to work, I might be bringing something home. also if he goes somewhere else he might inadvertently get something and bring it home or he might get something from me and then take it with him and get other people sick.

So I guess my question in the end is are my concerns valid? And these times I don't want to be a fear monger and I certainly don't want to come across as someone paranoid panicked or delusional if you will but I won't even let my son go see the rest of his family and they live just right across town. Thoughts? I'm open to any suggestions and opinions to help ensure that I'm looking at this through legitimate eyes and not rose-colored glasses.

limit contact as much as possible -- if enough people start thinking like that and going out here and there the spread will get worse. act like as if you have already been in contact with it, better to be cautious than sorry.

The fact my job is risky and putting my family at a higher risk gets brought up. My job is essential. We cannot have those who have passed on simply sitting around. Eventually storage areas will be crowded and overflowing etc. I don't like the fact I am putting my son and bf at risk, but I'm proud that I'm able to help society as a whole.

My bf is worried about depression etc. Doesn't think he needs to wash his hands at home etc because he doesn't have the disease. I'm just floored. There's a video, scientific video which breaks this down. I do not see my friends. Today I sat in my car and spoke with a friend who stayed on her porch because I didn't want to come closer but I hadn't heard from her in 4 days. I needed to check on her but I refused to get close.

I love my family. I love my job. But I cannot in all fairness and social consciousness put myself before the larger group of society. I understand the anger and frustration. I don't understand uselessness.

Thank you all for the feedback. Hopefully he will come around. Sadly I think I'll just end up the bad guy in all this.

Big hugs and with lots of love