Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be concerned about cleaner not socially distancing

35 replies

Cleanerdilemma · 10/10/2020 12:25

We have weekly cleaners who started back at the start of September. The main cleaner usually comes with two helpers. They are nice ladies and do a decent job so all is usually good.

My dilemma is that the main cleaner and one other are regularly posting photos on Facebook of them hugging people and not socially distancing generally.

I am clinically vulnerable (not extremely vulnerable so wasn’t shielding) but am being very careful about all the measures. We live in an area that is not in local lockdown but has significantly rising cases, most local schools have cases.

She is generally a lovely lady, has worked here for 4/5 years and is trustworthy. When we have discussed social distancing generally she always nods along and appears to agree but I know she is not actually doing so (I know the Facebook posts are not old photos).

I am wary of saying anything as on the one occasion I have challenged her on something before years ago (directly to do with cleaning in my house that I had concrete proof of) she actually flatly denied it. I suspect she would flat out deny breaking any rules.

Ok, so I am concerned that she is putting herself but to be honest mostly my and other households at increased risk by her actions. However of course it’s none of my business what she does in her own time! There is no way I can tell her what to do, nor do I want to do it would be a case of me cancelling her and doing without I think. But she is trustworthy and decent generally so it’s a dilemma.

So AIBU to be concerned about extra risk to my house bearing in mind the rising cases and me being clinically vulnerable?

YABU - the risk is minuscule and you should just continue as normal.

YANBU - there is added risk and you should avoid that.

If you vote YANBU please can you tell me what you would do?!

OP posts:
DeliciouslyFemale · 10/10/2020 13:56

Make sure all your windows are left open for them arriving and left open for a while after they leave. This helps stop any virus build up in the rooms, so it decreases the risk of you getting a higher viral load, if any of them are infected. If your worried about contracting it from surfaces, such give the areas you’re in regular contact with, a wipe down.

Cleanerdilemma · 10/10/2020 13:58

@HildegardeCrowe

Why are you spying on them on Facebook?
I am not spying on anyone. The main cleaner friend requested me on fb years ago. Her pictures come up in my newsfeed 🤷‍♀️
OP posts:
DeliciouslyFemale · 10/10/2020 13:59

@HildegardeCrowe

Why are you spying on them on Facebook?
Why do you think anyone has Facebook? 😁
Carabu1 · 10/10/2020 13:59

I had a similar dilemma, and because I’m pregnant have had to ask them to stop coming. I feel a bit bad, but at the end of the day I can live with doing my own cleaning (I have more time now I’m wfh) and the worry/risk wasn’t worth it for me. I may have felt different if they wore Ppe, but they didn’t and we live in a lockdown area so was worried about them spreading it from other local homes. I did offer to pay a holding fee so they didn’t loose out entirely but they declined.

iskwobel · 10/10/2020 14:00

I think you should just give them notice and if they ask why then tell them, they aren't being very business minded putting photos on Facebook but at least they are honest. Unfortunately even if they ask for a second chance you'll have that doubt Sad

Sobeyondthehills · 10/10/2020 14:02

By having a cleaner, you are increasing your risk, either accept the risk or tell them you are not having them back.

The fact you have 3 of them, you automatically increase your risk, again accept it or don't have any of them in

Aridane · 10/10/2020 14:12

I’m really surprised they aren’t wearing PPE

Aridane · 10/10/2020 14:12

I wouldn’t have them round simply for that

Cleanerdilemma · 10/10/2020 14:54

Thanks again all.

I am thinking of saying I am worried in general due to being clinically vulnerable and rising cases (no mention of their social distancing) and suggesting a fortnightly (longer) visit with just one or two people max. I will provide gloves, apron and mask. If that doesn’t work for them then I’ll have to give notice.

That seems like a reasonable compromise to me and will mitigate the risk massively, by going fortnightly it halves it, by going to 2 people that takes another 1/3 off and then adding PPE.

Does that make sense?

OP posts:
Skysblue · 10/10/2020 15:07

Seems like a good solution OP. Very few people are socially distancing at the moment unfortunately - as the massive rise in infections demonstrates.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page