The Worst Job to Have During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Broadly speaking, safety during a pandemic comes from minimizing opportunities for exposure to people who are infected. Solo at home, it’s just you. If you’re in a household with a small group of known people, the risk is relatively low. But if you need to venture out, especially during peak hours, it’s crucial to take protective measures such as wearing protective gear and washing your hands thoroughly upon returning home.

The Opposite End of the Scenario

The opposite end of this scenario involves an abundance of opportunities for exposure. Interacting with large numbers of random people, many of whom have unknown health habits or histories, can put you at significant risk. Being in environments where there is a confluence of airborne particles and frequently touched surfaces increases the likelihood of infection.

Jobs Involving High Exposure Risk

Several types of work fall into this category, each presenting unique challenges and hazards.

Bartenders and Healthcare Workers

Bartenders: In areas where businesses are open despite the pandemic, bartenders are faced with a high risk of exposure. They deal with cash that has been handled by customers and operate in enclosed spaces where the air is shared among many people. The prevailing political climate that rejects protective measures such as masks and social distancing further exacerbates the risk.

Healthcare Workers: These workers handle nasal swabs from worried patients and conduct repeated cleaning of crowded emergency room waiting areas. They are also responsible for working on ventilators in hospitals that are overwhelmed, ensuring that each area is sanitized properly to prevent the spread of the virus.

Essential Workers

Sailors on Aircraft Carriers: On a large ship with thousands of people, the margin for error is extremely small. False positives and false negatives on tests are particularly concerning as the ship is a closed environment where the spread of the virus can quickly become an epidemic.

Prison Guards: In confined spaces with close contact, the risk of viral transmission is high. The added pressure of bars rather than walls means that air is more freely circulated, spreading the virus further.

Sanitation Workers: These workers must think about the impact of their trash containers being handled carelessly, potentially carrying germs from one household to another.

Professional Athletes: Operating in close proximity with multiple players in a controlled environment like a sports bubble can be risky. The pressure of commercial interests can push leagues to reopen even when the risk is high.

Public School Teachers: Public schools, even with protocols in place, can be hotspots for viral transmission. The risk is heightened by the number of students, each potentially carrying the virus from a variety of households into the classroom.

Concluding Thoughts

The danger is not necessarily inherent in the job itself but rather the unknown history and habits of the people one is forced to be in proximity to. The prevailing attitude in the workplace also plays a crucial role. Some view precautions as common sense, while others see them as an imposition that can be ignored when it’s convenient.

Above all, it is crucial to continue to prioritize safety by adhering to public health guidelines and recognizing that the risks can be great, especially in certain industries and environments.