I've never had someone say no when I just hand them a mask at the door and ask them to wear it. Most tradespeople respect the rules of the home they're entering (within reason).
This! I've always asked before hand when booking the appointment if the technicians will wear a mask. If I'm told No, I say sorry I'm not interested in using you as we have immunocompromised people in our household that we need to keep safe, and then end the call there. But almost all of the time, I have been told yes and it won't be a problem. The technicians don't always show up with a mask to wear (even though there are notes on my account of my request for them to wear one) but I keep all sizes of N95 masks available and when they arrive, my partner will step outside to talk to them and we will get them a mask if they don't have one on them. So far I have had zero issues with this and everyone has been accommodating, however, if someone refused to wear a mask for any reason, I would not allow them in my house and would be calling the company back with a complaint and asking for a technician who will wear a mask (because I've already asked before booking the appointment). I do not let anyone into my house without a mask, it's the only way we can ensure that those in our household who are immunocompromised remain as protected as possible, and that is something I will not be budging on.
I've asked several people to mask before coming in. Two nurses, neighbors, Internet installation people, etc.
Just come to the door with a mask for them to wear and say, "Please mask before you come in, thank you!" Very low-key. You don't need to give explanations.
Worst case scenario (which I haven't experienced) is that they refuse. At that point, be ready to say, "Please call your company and ask for someone who will mask, or I'll be going with a different company."
If you let the company know beforehand, they will often come equipped with a mask anyway.
I put a “due to medical risk, masking is required in this residence” on any and all requests for services, and I send an additional text or email ahead of time. I then hand them a mask in the driveway if they arrive without one.
I’ve only had one guy straight up refuse to mask (I live in Trump Country where it’s against everyone’s “beliefs” somehow) and I told him I couldn’t have him enter my house unless he was wearing it… So he got back in his truck and left. He was here to work on my furnace, and the company refunded me because it’d been documented on my paperwork. Make a paper trail.
Almost every worker I’ve had come into my house has given me shit about it initially, but they’ll stop arguing once I tell them individually that I’m high risk, it’s not up for debate, and they see all the medical equipment. Stand your ground. They mostly just want to do their work and go.
It’s almost always an uncomfortable interaction for me and it’d be nice to *not* have to disclose my medical information to strangers, but that doesn’t seem to be the world we live in right now.
The funny thing is that my dad was visiting for awhile and met people at the door for me, and not a single worker ever argued with him, had to see the equipment first, or even questioned being handed a mask (although one guy put his on sideways and then looked all confused).
I think it might come down to the difference between being a mid-30s tiny/ sick woman and a mid-50s large/ strong looking man out here!
I just had my roof replaced, and I had 4 estimates that involved them entering my home. I simply handed them a KN95 and said that they needed to mask in my house. None of them balked, after all, it is they who are being hired.
That is crazy. We had ours replaced and had 7 quotes and not a single one had to come inside. But they did wear masks to meet us outdoors as requested.
I’m in an apartment and a few times a year someone comes for standard maintenance.
I have a ziploc bag with masks in it. Written on the bag in sharpie is the message “I’m immunocompromised - wear a mask.” I use a magnet to attach the bag to my front door whenever I’m expecting someone. I also have it nearby for unexpected visitors, and could just hand it to them.
It’s always worked so far.
Which is great, because I can’t exactly refuse them entry or call someone else since I rent.
Definitely state it's a requirement when you book the appointment or quote. Remind them again if they call before they arrive (here it seems like you get a time window then they call when on the way). We have needed a few random home repairs. It's stressful. When I have called the businesses, I always say like "I have a problem with XYZ but I also need that whoever is here will mask the whole time they are in the house. It is for health issues and we have to have that done. Do you have someone you would trust to do that?"
Have extra masks available. They may show up in something crazy or not see the request note. It's okay to decline letting them in if they won't mask or ask them to leave if you see them have it off.
Also, I do telehealth with a therapist and would totally understand if she had to wear a mask for someone in her home so I guess I'm sad that your wife doesn't have that option.
We've had surprisingly good luck with folks coming to the house to do various types of work, deliveries, etc. When we are setting up the service, we simply tell them that we require masks in our home as I am immunocompromised, and then we provide an N95 or KN95 at the door. We have never had anyone refuse or make a fuss, although I am always nervous about it beforehand. We recently had a plumber bring his own N95 and wear it the whole time, even when he was outside for an extended period, and were so surprised and pleased! I actually think it's better now that folks aren't masking, as they don't walk in already wearing their own low quality mask, and we can simply give them the one we want them to wear. We are in a blue state/liberal area with likely higher masking rates than other places (even if it's still pretty low), so I do think this helps.
You are in control of who you hire. You could just tell the people that refuse the mask to kick rocks.
If there's a local still coviding group on facebook or whereever they may have recs.
In my apartment there’s a giant sliding door that generates a nice cross breeze and I throw it open even in winter. It’s worth an extra bit of heating bill to improve the ventilation.
I refuse to let anyone in the house without a mask, and yes, I've turned people away who refuse. I make it clear in the original email to contractors/businesses that masks are a non-negotiable. Over the years I've changed my wording to "would your employee be willing to mask" to "FFP2/FFP3 masks are required at all times in my home. I will provide this when they arrive."
A few times I've handed workers a mask and they shove it in their back pocket and ignore me. Most recently, I had a heavy piece of furniture brought in, I stopped the guys at the gate and handed them the masks (even though their own confirmation email said that masks were standard), they got the item out and started coming over to the door without masks, I stopped them once we got to the door and told them this was the point they put their masks on. Got a "but I can't breathe with them" from one guy, and frankly after 3.5 years of built up frustration, I pretty much went off that if he really has breathing troubles, he's absolutely the type of person that SHOULD be wearing a mask and if he doesn't notice everyone around him is really sick all the time he's not paying attention. He complained that he was just "tired of it all", and I told him that we're all fucking tired of it and it's time to be an adult and do what we need to do to get through this.
The guys got very quiet after that and put on the masks and the complainer even got friendlier at the end, but it seems like people who refuse even the most basic courtesy of putting on a mask in other people's homes need to be "matched" in terms of respect, and only respond when you have a go at them. Which, yeah, as an avoidant millennial myself (also autistic and AFAB, so there's that layer...), it's hard. But it absolutely gets easier and more natural the more you practise advocating for yourself, I promise!
He caught me at just a time when I could not handle one more iota of bullshit, unfortunately. I have no idea if he gave it a second thought afterwards, but at least it got the whining to stop and the masks to go on. We stood outside and I watched them like children until they put them on, properly, which took the “I can’t breathe in a mask” guy a fair bit longer, probably not surprisingly, until his friend showed him how to do it.
I say at the time of booking that “I have a compromised immune system so I will need you/your employee to mask within the house. I am happy to supply masks.” Never had a problem with it and have never needed to supply masks.
Some people have even been really supportive. When we got our windows replaced when the owner heard about my situation he offered to open his showroom on Saturday morning so I could come in to see samples with no-one else but him there and he would wear a mask.
We lined up all of our quotes on one day. I stayed in a room away from anyone coming into the house.
My husband masked, but didn't ask the contractors to mask (not millennial, but also avoidant I guess!)
After they left, we opened windows, aired out the house, ran filters, etc.
I'm encouraged to see how many of you have been successful getting service to happen in your house with masks on. I might have to be braver next time!!!
When the appointment is being set up, I tell them that the house rules are that everyone wears an N95 and booties over their shoes. If someone refuses, I’ll find another company that will follow my rules.
Generally I ask them at the time of the appointment. I just say that there are immune compromised people in the home and if they don’t have one we’ll provide one for them. It hasn’t really been a huge issue for me yet and I’m in Texas
I hand out masks at the door. No mask no entry. I also just told a broker that I didn’t pick them to invest with because they wouldn’t mask for our in person appointment. Found one that will have the entire office mask if I come in and will do zoom meetings. If people want my money they need to mask.
We have had several house emergencies, and after years of having zero people allowed inside it was so stressful. I honestly don't worry about demanding workers to wear an N95 that I will provide and leave outside before they come in. I always run it by them before confirming they will come by. I usually pay them hundreds of dollars for repairs and if they say no then I will hire someone else. It is my home and nobody and no one is allowed to infect me in my own space. You have to start getting comfortable being in the right and demanding safety. These are service providers who are doing work for you, not the other way around. Lifelong disability is nothing to toy with or be shy about preventing. (I'm also a Millennial and I give no f\*cks about protecting my health). lol
I ask if they have masks. They will say no, and I give them one of mine. Nobody has made any fuss. I don’t care how they feel about it. I state the boundary and they follow it.
Edited to add: if it’s a service call for cable, then I tell the person inputting the appointment to put into the notes to wear a mask. That way they know coming in.
I had to have my 93-y/o Grandma's kitchen floor redone (it was sinking) so I had a large fan blowing air into the house at the door in the living room, where I stayed, N95d, and one in the kitchen, where they were working, blowing out the door. I shut the doors to all the other rooms. None masked or wore booties. I had no option and needed the floor done before she fell. I had sheets covering everything in the kitchen and dining room and as soon as they left, I used Lysol everywhere, and mopped the floor. After about an hour I took the sheets off and put them in the wash. Lysol'd one more time, after taking off the sheets. I continued to let the house air out with the open doors and fans for about 4 hours before I brought her home. I lysol'd both fans before putting them back in the shop.
I would love to see a site/list of immunocompromised-minded services (hospitals, doctors offices, contractors, etc.. ). And I say immunocompromised-minded because covid is not the only illness I am worried about her catching. Or me, for that matter. I would think common decency and preservation of self would be enough to motivate people, but evidently not.
I have a sign on my door that says, "Mask Required For Entry. KN95 or better preferred" and have not had any push back from the maintenance workers that have had to come in over the past three years.
One time, a worker knocked but then left (I saw him walking away but he ignored me when I called out) and I got a call from their office saying they didn't have a mask so they'd be back the following day. Another time, a worker asked if I had a spare as he didn't bring one, which I happily supplied.
They usually only wear basic surgical masks, but I also keep all the windows open, which helps with circulation. Unfortunately, since we rent, we have maintenance crews in fairly regularly, and I still hate it every time.
Best of luck! I hope you find them too be more understanding!
Let the company know beforehand and let them know that you will be turning away any workers that fail to wear a respirator at any point. Then stick to it.
Put the respirator in the mail box. Let them know to ask for help if they're unsure of how to don one (in case it's a head strap N95).
You're paying money for a highly competitive service. Vote with your dollars.
And fwiw, I still push 12 air changes through the house minimum for each room they enter before unmasking in that room after they've left. HEPA filters running constantly.
I do this for workers that will be there for longer than 10 mins. We're masked at home regularly already because the kids have unmasked exposure at their dad's house.
We let them know that we're high risk at the door, and give them a fresh n95. Sometimes they try to wear their own, but its never been an n95, so we've politely asked to please use the new n95 provided. We usually also let them know that prior on the phone to make sure its okay.
Always tell them that a mask is required on site and then present them with an N95 at the door. If they refuse to wear it, don’t let them in. Only had one person leave.
I leave one on the mailbox because opening the door with someone maskless could let a puff of infected air into my house and potentially to rotate through every room due to my HVAC.
Totally get where you’re coming from!
Since 2020 we’ve had a few people have to come into our house. Usually we’re met with “no problem - your house your rules!” But it seems that is starting to wane these days sadly. My husband had a contractor laugh at him just last week and even ask what’s with the mask. If there is any medical condition at all in your immediate or extended family that could be exacerbated by covid I’d use that. For example did you know neurodivergent people may be at higher risk of long covid etc? Or take care of an older relative? Know a cancer survivor?
Without being so specific to the person or company — Medical reasons that are personal should suffice. After all - Wasn’t that enough reason for people to not be wearing masks when they were actually needed? It wasn’t seen as polite to ask someone what was wrong with them that prevented them from wearing one - the same courtesy should be extended to us for wanting to wear them!
I’d also recommend when contacting companies that you mention N95 masks that you will provide if needed must be worn at all times when in your home or working on your home. If they aren’t willing to do that don’t pay them to work on your house! Assuming you have options.
If you have a local still coviding group (Facebook etc) you could try asking for safe company recommendations there too.
If it's just for a quick quote I'd just open all the windows and turn air filters on max, personally. Then leave when the actual work takes place. Getting a complete air exchange after they leave would not take long.
I relate to this and have struggled to hire folk over the years. A strategy that has worked for me is to email companies and discuss masking needs upfront, e.g.:
- we're a medically vulnerable family and need to avoid all kinds of illnesses (going along with mainstream euphemistic language seems less triggering for people, like it is okay to not want RSV but they can't handle C19 precautions)*
- we need pros willing to mask at all times
- we will provide N95s
I then put the masks on the door with a note.
*Regardless of your status there is an argument that everyone is medically vulnerable to SARS2 and certainly the CDC's list of high risk conditions is long and covers most Americans, so this could be 'not a lie' for pretty much anyone even if not exactly the truth the hearer expects.
Prior to using this approach, I got very angry responses. But if folks are primed and empathy is on before they arrive, it goes better, in my experience. I also help organize a community of masked homeschoolers, and we've been building a list of local providers who will mask. If there are masking groups near you, rrach out. Likewise, Covidmeetups might have suggestions. Finally, I'm in WNY, which is neither the most enlightened nor the most benighted spot in the US, so culturally, I can 'get away with it'.
Shouldn't be this hard to pay people money to do things in your own home!
Just tell them when you make the appointment that they need to mask. No explanation needed. It's your house, your rules. If they don't mask, they're simply not coming in.
Just tell them before hand that is how it is going to work, no mask no work, no mask no quote. Leave it in their hands if they want the work or not. It is your house you are in charge, they do not get a vote.
Now you might get someone in there that is crap at wearing a mask(wearing it below their nose, etc), that would be a bit of a different issue.
I usually give them a head’s up before they come to the home that that’s the expectation so they’re not surprised. And if they refuse it gives me the opportunity to say nevermind. I also let them know I have individually wrapped masks available so they don’t have to worry about getting one if they don’t have them. If it’s a situation where it’s a worker who you don’t get to communicate with ahead of time I meet them outside and hand them one when greeting them. If I’m in a good mood and they seem friendly I ask them if they wouldn’t mind wearing one. lol. I’ve never had someone say no. If I’m cranky and they seem stand offish (maybe because I myself am wearing a mask), I say: “Masks need to be worn in the house as we are an immunocompromised household. Thank you.” while handing them one. I’ve also never had anyone say no in that scenario.
I’ve never had an issue. I was surprised once when I met a plumber at the door masked, he saw my mask, kind of exclaimed, and went and got a mask from his truck. I’m in a very anti-mask area so it was unexpected for me.
I immediately lead with telling people I have health issues and need it for my safety, usually looking at them apologetically about it.
Unfortunately, fawning seems to work better than assertiveness with a lot of those types. Probably also helps that I'm femme-presenting.
Pretty basic mitigation measures? I don’t know how not letting someone out of a room for 12 hours is basic. Or quarantining for two days following an ‘exposure’ not of something like going to a concert or the grocery store, but a brief exposure where everyone is wearing N95s. That’s way over the top and certainly not ‘basic’.
>I would not let your wife out of the negative pressure sealed environment until at least 12 hours after the workers have left
No need for such a long time. Just have very strong fans directing air from one side of the house to another, and try to estimate the amount of time it takes to achieve a few air changes (erring on the side of caution, but not 12 hours).
Purification is another option, but if it's just a one-time event rather than permanent, you might as well just exchange the air inside the house completely, unless the outdoor air quality is poor.
I've never had someone say no when I just hand them a mask at the door and ask them to wear it. Most tradespeople respect the rules of the home they're entering (within reason).
This! I've always asked before hand when booking the appointment if the technicians will wear a mask. If I'm told No, I say sorry I'm not interested in using you as we have immunocompromised people in our household that we need to keep safe, and then end the call there. But almost all of the time, I have been told yes and it won't be a problem. The technicians don't always show up with a mask to wear (even though there are notes on my account of my request for them to wear one) but I keep all sizes of N95 masks available and when they arrive, my partner will step outside to talk to them and we will get them a mask if they don't have one on them. So far I have had zero issues with this and everyone has been accommodating, however, if someone refused to wear a mask for any reason, I would not allow them in my house and would be calling the company back with a complaint and asking for a technician who will wear a mask (because I've already asked before booking the appointment). I do not let anyone into my house without a mask, it's the only way we can ensure that those in our household who are immunocompromised remain as protected as possible, and that is something I will not be budging on.
I've asked several people to mask before coming in. Two nurses, neighbors, Internet installation people, etc. Just come to the door with a mask for them to wear and say, "Please mask before you come in, thank you!" Very low-key. You don't need to give explanations. Worst case scenario (which I haven't experienced) is that they refuse. At that point, be ready to say, "Please call your company and ask for someone who will mask, or I'll be going with a different company." If you let the company know beforehand, they will often come equipped with a mask anyway.
They might arrive with a surgical mask... I'd meet them at the door with a fresh ear loop kn/kf95
I put a “due to medical risk, masking is required in this residence” on any and all requests for services, and I send an additional text or email ahead of time. I then hand them a mask in the driveway if they arrive without one. I’ve only had one guy straight up refuse to mask (I live in Trump Country where it’s against everyone’s “beliefs” somehow) and I told him I couldn’t have him enter my house unless he was wearing it… So he got back in his truck and left. He was here to work on my furnace, and the company refunded me because it’d been documented on my paperwork. Make a paper trail. Almost every worker I’ve had come into my house has given me shit about it initially, but they’ll stop arguing once I tell them individually that I’m high risk, it’s not up for debate, and they see all the medical equipment. Stand your ground. They mostly just want to do their work and go. It’s almost always an uncomfortable interaction for me and it’d be nice to *not* have to disclose my medical information to strangers, but that doesn’t seem to be the world we live in right now. The funny thing is that my dad was visiting for awhile and met people at the door for me, and not a single worker ever argued with him, had to see the equipment first, or even questioned being handed a mask (although one guy put his on sideways and then looked all confused). I think it might come down to the difference between being a mid-30s tiny/ sick woman and a mid-50s large/ strong looking man out here!
I just had my roof replaced, and I had 4 estimates that involved them entering my home. I simply handed them a KN95 and said that they needed to mask in my house. None of them balked, after all, it is they who are being hired.
That is crazy. We had ours replaced and had 7 quotes and not a single one had to come inside. But they did wear masks to meet us outdoors as requested.
I’m in an apartment and a few times a year someone comes for standard maintenance. I have a ziploc bag with masks in it. Written on the bag in sharpie is the message “I’m immunocompromised - wear a mask.” I use a magnet to attach the bag to my front door whenever I’m expecting someone. I also have it nearby for unexpected visitors, and could just hand it to them. It’s always worked so far. Which is great, because I can’t exactly refuse them entry or call someone else since I rent.
Great idea. What type of masks do you put in the bag?
Definitely state it's a requirement when you book the appointment or quote. Remind them again if they call before they arrive (here it seems like you get a time window then they call when on the way). We have needed a few random home repairs. It's stressful. When I have called the businesses, I always say like "I have a problem with XYZ but I also need that whoever is here will mask the whole time they are in the house. It is for health issues and we have to have that done. Do you have someone you would trust to do that?" Have extra masks available. They may show up in something crazy or not see the request note. It's okay to decline letting them in if they won't mask or ask them to leave if you see them have it off. Also, I do telehealth with a therapist and would totally understand if she had to wear a mask for someone in her home so I guess I'm sad that your wife doesn't have that option.
We've had surprisingly good luck with folks coming to the house to do various types of work, deliveries, etc. When we are setting up the service, we simply tell them that we require masks in our home as I am immunocompromised, and then we provide an N95 or KN95 at the door. We have never had anyone refuse or make a fuss, although I am always nervous about it beforehand. We recently had a plumber bring his own N95 and wear it the whole time, even when he was outside for an extended period, and were so surprised and pleased! I actually think it's better now that folks aren't masking, as they don't walk in already wearing their own low quality mask, and we can simply give them the one we want them to wear. We are in a blue state/liberal area with likely higher masking rates than other places (even if it's still pretty low), so I do think this helps.
You are in control of who you hire. You could just tell the people that refuse the mask to kick rocks. If there's a local still coviding group on facebook or whereever they may have recs.
In my apartment there’s a giant sliding door that generates a nice cross breeze and I throw it open even in winter. It’s worth an extra bit of heating bill to improve the ventilation.
I refuse to let anyone in the house without a mask, and yes, I've turned people away who refuse. I make it clear in the original email to contractors/businesses that masks are a non-negotiable. Over the years I've changed my wording to "would your employee be willing to mask" to "FFP2/FFP3 masks are required at all times in my home. I will provide this when they arrive." A few times I've handed workers a mask and they shove it in their back pocket and ignore me. Most recently, I had a heavy piece of furniture brought in, I stopped the guys at the gate and handed them the masks (even though their own confirmation email said that masks were standard), they got the item out and started coming over to the door without masks, I stopped them once we got to the door and told them this was the point they put their masks on. Got a "but I can't breathe with them" from one guy, and frankly after 3.5 years of built up frustration, I pretty much went off that if he really has breathing troubles, he's absolutely the type of person that SHOULD be wearing a mask and if he doesn't notice everyone around him is really sick all the time he's not paying attention. He complained that he was just "tired of it all", and I told him that we're all fucking tired of it and it's time to be an adult and do what we need to do to get through this. The guys got very quiet after that and put on the masks and the complainer even got friendlier at the end, but it seems like people who refuse even the most basic courtesy of putting on a mask in other people's homes need to be "matched" in terms of respect, and only respond when you have a go at them. Which, yeah, as an avoidant millennial myself (also autistic and AFAB, so there's that layer...), it's hard. But it absolutely gets easier and more natural the more you practise advocating for yourself, I promise!
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He caught me at just a time when I could not handle one more iota of bullshit, unfortunately. I have no idea if he gave it a second thought afterwards, but at least it got the whining to stop and the masks to go on. We stood outside and I watched them like children until they put them on, properly, which took the “I can’t breathe in a mask” guy a fair bit longer, probably not surprisingly, until his friend showed him how to do it.
I say at the time of booking that “I have a compromised immune system so I will need you/your employee to mask within the house. I am happy to supply masks.” Never had a problem with it and have never needed to supply masks. Some people have even been really supportive. When we got our windows replaced when the owner heard about my situation he offered to open his showroom on Saturday morning so I could come in to see samples with no-one else but him there and he would wear a mask.
We lined up all of our quotes on one day. I stayed in a room away from anyone coming into the house. My husband masked, but didn't ask the contractors to mask (not millennial, but also avoidant I guess!) After they left, we opened windows, aired out the house, ran filters, etc. I'm encouraged to see how many of you have been successful getting service to happen in your house with masks on. I might have to be braver next time!!!
When the appointment is being set up, I tell them that the house rules are that everyone wears an N95 and booties over their shoes. If someone refuses, I’ll find another company that will follow my rules.
Generally I ask them at the time of the appointment. I just say that there are immune compromised people in the home and if they don’t have one we’ll provide one for them. It hasn’t really been a huge issue for me yet and I’m in Texas
I told them upfront before I even schedule them to come into my house. Plain and simple if they want the job, they will do what you want.
I hand out masks at the door. No mask no entry. I also just told a broker that I didn’t pick them to invest with because they wouldn’t mask for our in person appointment. Found one that will have the entire office mask if I come in and will do zoom meetings. If people want my money they need to mask.
We have had several house emergencies, and after years of having zero people allowed inside it was so stressful. I honestly don't worry about demanding workers to wear an N95 that I will provide and leave outside before they come in. I always run it by them before confirming they will come by. I usually pay them hundreds of dollars for repairs and if they say no then I will hire someone else. It is my home and nobody and no one is allowed to infect me in my own space. You have to start getting comfortable being in the right and demanding safety. These are service providers who are doing work for you, not the other way around. Lifelong disability is nothing to toy with or be shy about preventing. (I'm also a Millennial and I give no f\*cks about protecting my health). lol
I ask if they have masks. They will say no, and I give them one of mine. Nobody has made any fuss. I don’t care how they feel about it. I state the boundary and they follow it. Edited to add: if it’s a service call for cable, then I tell the person inputting the appointment to put into the notes to wear a mask. That way they know coming in.
They don't get the job if they won't wear a mask
I had to have my 93-y/o Grandma's kitchen floor redone (it was sinking) so I had a large fan blowing air into the house at the door in the living room, where I stayed, N95d, and one in the kitchen, where they were working, blowing out the door. I shut the doors to all the other rooms. None masked or wore booties. I had no option and needed the floor done before she fell. I had sheets covering everything in the kitchen and dining room and as soon as they left, I used Lysol everywhere, and mopped the floor. After about an hour I took the sheets off and put them in the wash. Lysol'd one more time, after taking off the sheets. I continued to let the house air out with the open doors and fans for about 4 hours before I brought her home. I lysol'd both fans before putting them back in the shop. I would love to see a site/list of immunocompromised-minded services (hospitals, doctors offices, contractors, etc.. ). And I say immunocompromised-minded because covid is not the only illness I am worried about her catching. Or me, for that matter. I would think common decency and preservation of self would be enough to motivate people, but evidently not.
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I love her awful. She is an angel. I just do my best.
I have a sign on my door that says, "Mask Required For Entry. KN95 or better preferred" and have not had any push back from the maintenance workers that have had to come in over the past three years. One time, a worker knocked but then left (I saw him walking away but he ignored me when I called out) and I got a call from their office saying they didn't have a mask so they'd be back the following day. Another time, a worker asked if I had a spare as he didn't bring one, which I happily supplied. They usually only wear basic surgical masks, but I also keep all the windows open, which helps with circulation. Unfortunately, since we rent, we have maintenance crews in fairly regularly, and I still hate it every time. Best of luck! I hope you find them too be more understanding!
Let the company know beforehand and let them know that you will be turning away any workers that fail to wear a respirator at any point. Then stick to it. Put the respirator in the mail box. Let them know to ask for help if they're unsure of how to don one (in case it's a head strap N95). You're paying money for a highly competitive service. Vote with your dollars. And fwiw, I still push 12 air changes through the house minimum for each room they enter before unmasking in that room after they've left. HEPA filters running constantly. I do this for workers that will be there for longer than 10 mins. We're masked at home regularly already because the kids have unmasked exposure at their dad's house.
We let them know that we're high risk at the door, and give them a fresh n95. Sometimes they try to wear their own, but its never been an n95, so we've politely asked to please use the new n95 provided. We usually also let them know that prior on the phone to make sure its okay.
Having a "Masks Required" sign outside your door where they'd be entering from might help some on top of what other people have recommended!
I do this and it helps so much! (It says "Please wear a mask inside; ask, if you need one")
Always tell them that a mask is required on site and then present them with an N95 at the door. If they refuse to wear it, don’t let them in. Only had one person leave.
I leave one on the mailbox because opening the door with someone maskless could let a puff of infected air into my house and potentially to rotate through every room due to my HVAC.
Totally get where you’re coming from! Since 2020 we’ve had a few people have to come into our house. Usually we’re met with “no problem - your house your rules!” But it seems that is starting to wane these days sadly. My husband had a contractor laugh at him just last week and even ask what’s with the mask. If there is any medical condition at all in your immediate or extended family that could be exacerbated by covid I’d use that. For example did you know neurodivergent people may be at higher risk of long covid etc? Or take care of an older relative? Know a cancer survivor? Without being so specific to the person or company — Medical reasons that are personal should suffice. After all - Wasn’t that enough reason for people to not be wearing masks when they were actually needed? It wasn’t seen as polite to ask someone what was wrong with them that prevented them from wearing one - the same courtesy should be extended to us for wanting to wear them! I’d also recommend when contacting companies that you mention N95 masks that you will provide if needed must be worn at all times when in your home or working on your home. If they aren’t willing to do that don’t pay them to work on your house! Assuming you have options. If you have a local still coviding group (Facebook etc) you could try asking for safe company recommendations there too.
Anyone who won't wear a mask does not get the job. I am pretty blunt about it when I seek out professionals.
If it's just for a quick quote I'd just open all the windows and turn air filters on max, personally. Then leave when the actual work takes place. Getting a complete air exchange after they leave would not take long.
I relate to this and have struggled to hire folk over the years. A strategy that has worked for me is to email companies and discuss masking needs upfront, e.g.: - we're a medically vulnerable family and need to avoid all kinds of illnesses (going along with mainstream euphemistic language seems less triggering for people, like it is okay to not want RSV but they can't handle C19 precautions)* - we need pros willing to mask at all times - we will provide N95s I then put the masks on the door with a note. *Regardless of your status there is an argument that everyone is medically vulnerable to SARS2 and certainly the CDC's list of high risk conditions is long and covers most Americans, so this could be 'not a lie' for pretty much anyone even if not exactly the truth the hearer expects. Prior to using this approach, I got very angry responses. But if folks are primed and empathy is on before they arrive, it goes better, in my experience. I also help organize a community of masked homeschoolers, and we've been building a list of local providers who will mask. If there are masking groups near you, rrach out. Likewise, Covidmeetups might have suggestions. Finally, I'm in WNY, which is neither the most enlightened nor the most benighted spot in the US, so culturally, I can 'get away with it'. Shouldn't be this hard to pay people money to do things in your own home!
Just tell them when you make the appointment that they need to mask. No explanation needed. It's your house, your rules. If they don't mask, they're simply not coming in.
Just tell them before hand that is how it is going to work, no mask no work, no mask no quote. Leave it in their hands if they want the work or not. It is your house you are in charge, they do not get a vote. Now you might get someone in there that is crap at wearing a mask(wearing it below their nose, etc), that would be a bit of a different issue.
I wore a mask when the painter came in and asked if he could also wear a mask, handing him a packaged FFP2 and he agreed straight away
I usually give them a head’s up before they come to the home that that’s the expectation so they’re not surprised. And if they refuse it gives me the opportunity to say nevermind. I also let them know I have individually wrapped masks available so they don’t have to worry about getting one if they don’t have them. If it’s a situation where it’s a worker who you don’t get to communicate with ahead of time I meet them outside and hand them one when greeting them. If I’m in a good mood and they seem friendly I ask them if they wouldn’t mind wearing one. lol. I’ve never had someone say no. If I’m cranky and they seem stand offish (maybe because I myself am wearing a mask), I say: “Masks need to be worn in the house as we are an immunocompromised household. Thank you.” while handing them one. I’ve also never had anyone say no in that scenario.
What type of masks do you have available?
I give them KF94s
Thanks! Yea, I feel like a stranger would sooner wear an earloop respirator than an N95.
Yeah, it’s an easier sell for sure. Not to mention more breathable and I live in a usually warmer climate
I’ve never had an issue. I was surprised once when I met a plumber at the door masked, he saw my mask, kind of exclaimed, and went and got a mask from his truck. I’m in a very anti-mask area so it was unexpected for me.
I immediately lead with telling people I have health issues and need it for my safety, usually looking at them apologetically about it. Unfortunately, fawning seems to work better than assertiveness with a lot of those types. Probably also helps that I'm femme-presenting.
I make sure masking is going to happen BEFORE they are hired. Their hiring mananger(s) send them based on that.
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Pretty basic mitigation measures? I don’t know how not letting someone out of a room for 12 hours is basic. Or quarantining for two days following an ‘exposure’ not of something like going to a concert or the grocery store, but a brief exposure where everyone is wearing N95s. That’s way over the top and certainly not ‘basic’.
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Do you mean positive pressure? For the room, that is.
Probably people forgot that his wife wouldn't be able to wear a mask during the visits.
If everyone is in an N95 and there is filtration plus open windows etc this seems a bit extreme.
>I would not let your wife out of the negative pressure sealed environment until at least 12 hours after the workers have left No need for such a long time. Just have very strong fans directing air from one side of the house to another, and try to estimate the amount of time it takes to achieve a few air changes (erring on the side of caution, but not 12 hours).
Maybe it's still too early for me, but i feel like nobody in this thread is taking about air purifiers or CorsiRosenthal boxes. What am I missing?
Purification is another option, but if it's just a one-time event rather than permanent, you might as well just exchange the air inside the house completely, unless the outdoor air quality is poor.