Needing advice on my pregnancy and work not following guidelines

[SinkingSwim]

So my workplace is pretty crap with covid rules. They have had many many cases and seem unable to stick to any rules regarding social distancing or covid guidelines in general. I have recieved an email today stating that staff will no longer be required to wear masks in production areas, where my role is heavily based. I am not comfortable about this at all as I am currently 26 weeks pregnant and worried of the risk if I were to catch covid. Unfortunately my role would not allow me to work away from that area nor work from home, so I am unsure on what I can do. I don’t want to take sick leave as it will kick start my mat leave early but I also don’t want to be around people not wearing masks or distancing. My manager is not approachable and I fear she will tell me tough luck if I approach her without any backup. Is there anything I can do??

Sick leave would only trigger maternity at 36 weeks, I believe.

What is the rationale for mask removal in that area? And can you continue to wear a mask? And where are you in the UK? The rates vary massively, and I believe the guidance to work from home in the third trimester only applies in areas where rates are high (but who knows what high means!)
Good luck with the pregnancy.

I’m putting a bet on the fact there’ll be ‘where there’s blame there’s a claim’ ads for people who contracted covid in workplaces not taking their responsibilities seriously in the future.

Sorry OP, no real advice just sympathies.

@DancesWithDaffodils I can still wear a mask, and I’m considering a visor now too. I’m in Leicester, the only city to stay in lockdown since the first one!! and from what I can see the rates are starting to go up again, so it’s making me worried. I may contact my midwife and see what she has to say as I’m really anxious about it

Check this OP www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/coronavirus-if-youre-worried-about-working/

If everything else fails:
Invest in N95 mask or N99 mask if they won’t stick to the rules. X

Do you have a good relationship with your work colleagues to be able to ask them if they would consider still wearing masks, given your situation. I would also reply to the email, saying you are not comfortable with the removal of masks, as it is still government guidelines that if you cannot work over 2 metres apart from someone, that masks should be worn.