Dear Friend,
I’m an assisted-living facility worker from the Bronx and COVID-19 survivor. Due to unsafe working conditions in my facility, I tested positive for COVID-19 not once, but twice. When I got sick, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to provide for my family. And I was concerned about telling my three-year-old daughter she had to stay away from me.
But I was also angry because I knew my COVID-19 infection could have been prevented. The truth is that New York has failed to do enough to protect nursing home workers and other essential workers who are on the frontlines of the COVID battle.
One year into the pandemic, there are still thousands of new COVID-19 cases daily, and dangerous variants spreading quickly. That’s why I’m joining assisted-living facility workers, nursing home workers and other essential workers across New York to call on the Assembly and Governor Cuomo to pass the NY HERO Act immediately.
Take Action
The NY HERO Act would require the state to establish an infectious disease standard for providing protective equipment and sanitizer and ensuring proper ventilation. Workers like me would be protected from retaliation from speaking out or refusing to work when our lives are put in danger. There is no time to waste and we cannot let our guard down. Vaccines are not a substitute for real, lasting permanent protections and a stronger voice in the workplace.
All I want is to feel safe at work again, and also assured that I have taken every possible step not to spread this deadly disease to the residents in my care, my co-workers, and most of all, my child. Join the call to protect frontline workers and businesses with the NY HERO Act.
Take Action
In solidarity,
Evelyn Brown
Nurse at Assisted Living Facility
UFCW 2013
