Some rotational workers are feeling discouraged by some of the anger targeting them as COVID numbers in the province continue to grow.
Thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians work outside the province on rotation, coming home to their families on their turnarounds. Many are in a constant period of self-isolation with little interaction with family and loved ones.
Added to the stress they’re facing is some of the commentary on social media.
For months now rotational workers have been asking for more COVID testing protocols, including point of entry testing.
Michael Dean is a rotational worker. He says the vitriol is “heartbreaking.”
He says unless you live it, you don’t know how difficult it can be. He’s asking for people to be sympathetic to their plight and for government to consider more testing.
Premier Andrew Furey threw cold water on the concept of point of entry testing earlier this week, indicating it could lead to a false sense of security. Dean says they’re not looking for less testing, but more.
He says that doesn’t mean they want an exemption to testing on day 7. They still expect to be tested on day 7, but the Point of Entry testing will give them greater peace of mind with their families.
