Nannies wearing masks

[MissyEllyPants]

I am due to return to work. I know government advice is that nannies/childcarers don't need to wear masks, but I am considering it.
I don't want to freak the children out though! If you are a nanny, do you or will you wear a mask? If you're a parent what would you think?

Do you think you have it then? If so, you probably shouldn't be going back to work. Masks are primarily to protect others from you.

myname roughly 40% of people are asymptomatic and have no symptoms whatsoever.

Have you tried wearing a mask for any length of time? They are hot and uncomfortable and impede communication.

I know HCPs wear them for sustained periods of time because they need to but it's not easy.

On the basis that they stop you spreading the virus rather than stop you catching it, what have you been doing that what make you a risk to the children? As a nanny employer I would rather have a sensible conversation about the precautions taken on both sides (which is what we did with our nanny). If I wasn't comfortable about my nanny's lifestyle I would stop her coming to work rather than be comfortable with a mask.

@PestymcPestFace I realise a number of people are asymptomatic; I meant more why did the OP think she might have it particularly given the relatively low levels of community transmission at the moment. Has she been in a hospital/care home for example? Or come into contact with someone with symptoms? Did she go to a VE Day party and hug all her neighbours? That kind of thing.

Depends on the ages of the children I think - are they old enough to understand why you’re wearing it, and to be able to follow your facial expressions without seeing your mouth?

We furloughed our nanny, but if she returns I wouldn’t be happy with her wearing a mask as my youngest wouldn’t be able to understand her.

Also do try wearing a mask for a full work day before making any decision - they are uncomfortable to wear for long periods. As the weather heats up they’re going to be sweaty and uncomfortable more quickly.

How will you eat and drink around the children - you’d have to remove the mask then?

@mynameiscalypso No, I don't have it. I realise masks are more useful in terms of protecting others, but I think they may offer some protection to the wearer.
@eurochick my lifestyle is very low risk as I've been trying to protect vulnerable members of my family. It is more the other way around.

Missy you might have to interrogate your employers and work out how high risk you consider them to be.
Is there an option to move in?

@GeriGeranium Very good point about eating/drinking. The children are definitely old enough to understand.
I think I will have to go without, as most of you have said, it's probably not that beneficial as far as protecting me anyway, but I feel really worried about returning.

@PestymcPestFace I couldn't consider moving in. I have my own kids and the job is part time anyway. I am worried because they use public transport, kids are at school mixing with others whose parents are in high risk jobs (front facing NHS) and I doubt they will be careful about anything tbh. They already called me into work when one of the children had a cough.

Wearing a mask all day will be a breeding ground for germs.

DH has a risky job, he is semi isolated at home. My job is with at risk people. He tries not to get infected, I try not to pass it on.
Make sure you change clothes and wash well when you get home.

So your employers know all about risk management. Ask them, what steps they are taking to protect you.

It is a bugger when you feel someone else is being slack with basic precautions. Good luck communicating your concerns.

Thank you all for the advice.

Get one with Disney on it or something child friendly ??

Dont wear a mask. If the children you are looking after had the virus it would be on surfaces in the house too. So the mask is not going to protect you.
If you and your family have been staying at home and only leaving for essential purposes the risk of transmission of the virus will be very low.
Wash your hands on arrival, take your own hand towel, mug, food etc.
Get the children to wash their hands after returning from walks, toilet, before food etc.
Open doors and windows, easy in this good weather.
Disinfecting door handles, shared utensils, fridge doors regularly.
But above all enjoy being back at work, the children will have missed you. The parents will be able to work.

I'm not wearing one. If I'm with the kids then that's that. I'm changing nappies, helping with toilet training, wiping their faces, giving them cuddles. A mask won't stop me getting it when I'm doing all of the above anyway! Nurseries aren't social distancing either and as far as I know, are not wearing masks.

I think I would feel too weird to wear one anyway. I will just go with frequent handwashing, cleaning everything and hoping for the best! Still nervous, but I'm just going to have to deal with it. I'm not bothered about me, I'm just worried about passing it on to my family. Thank you all.