Carer has a cough

[goldenorbspider]

I work as a carer in a home service. Support a young lady 2-1 with complex health issues including respiratory issues. Arrived to take handover and the agency care staff had a cough. Said they had it before coronavirus and it's a smokers cough. The service users mum was present and aware of the cough. I know the care company is really short of staff at the minute hence use of agency. I'm very surprised the parent over looked this. The service user is very vulnerable. I stay as far away as possible from work place politics but it just doesn't feel right. The service user can't speak up for themselves so it leaves me to. I just know it'll be obvious it was me. I wish I'd said something there and then rather than going away and reporting it. The parent isn't going to happy I've gone over their head and I'll have to go back and work there at weekend :/

[moita]

Isn't it only a new cough that people have to worry about?

[BeansOnToast4T]

Do you have any reason to believe that the carer is lying about it being a longstanding cough?

[Nquartz]

Is there a reason she would lie about it not being a new cough, for example, if she doesn't work she doesn't get paid? Have you worked with her before (so you'd know if she has had it for a while)?

[goldenorbspider]

First time I've met her so no idea. I imagine being agency furlough might not be an option? I'm just guessing because when I've done agency you're on 0 hour contracts