I am having a massive laugh at the posters who, by what they write, obviously have no idea whatsoever about what they are talking about, telling the OP to leave her job and asking others for their qualifications when they actually say something that makes sense.
Right-O, here I go: I have a PhD in Molecular Biology, 12 years as a researcher including virology and bacteriology and genetics, and then trained as a midwife, as of which I am practising today. In fact, I have just received upgraded guidelines about dealing with patients suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus. Does this qualify me a little to give an opinion or am I still missing a Nobel Prize?
OP is completely right (keep the frothing at the mouth coming, mob). Quarantining nurses and health workers on-site after a single contact with novel coronavirus in hospital is utterly bonkers considering the actual present circumstances. Yes, there are concerns about this virus spreading, but anyone who knows about epidemiology will confirm to you that, actually, there is NO way of stopping the spreading right now with the current methods they are using. The horse has bolted. Precautions should be focused in controlling and treating, as well as developing a vaccine.
If I knew that I was going to be quarantined in hospital after working with a woman suspected/confirmed of having coronavirus, also I would refuse to go to work. As a midwife I work plenty of unpaid hours, deal with violence and abuse and make lots of sacrifices for fellow humans. But I draw a line at being kept in hospital for 2 weeks if the reason is to try to stop spreading this specific virus. It is an absolute waste of time, resources and livelihoods.
"This coronavirus is 97% genetically similar to SARS" --> yes, it is also over 97% similar to several ones which cause common colds. Humans are 97% genetically identical to orang-utans. It's what that 2% contains that matters.
Come on now, let the "leave your job" bashing begin. Although perhaps some of you should read the posts which come from actual health professionals and researchers and analyse the pattern...