The number of DHS case workers who tested positive has jumped from five to 20 this week in 10 of the 13 district offices, and many more employees have been quarantined at home. That’s according to SEIU Local 668, the union representing the workers who provide essential services for low-income residents.
“People are scared. People literally are making the choice not to come to work because they’re afraid of catching COVID-19 from one of these offices,” said Damon Allen, a union member and case worker who says the situation has reached a crisis point.
He also says workers are frustrated and angry about what they believe has been a lackluster response to safety concerns on the part of the home office.
“We’ve been asking for masks, we’ve been asking for hand sanitizers, for wipes and bleach ever since this pandemic began and they have not delivered. They delivered the masks on Monday, finally after weeks of asking, but they haven’t delivered anything else,” he added.
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A DHS representative says they are aware of 19 employees who’ve tested positive. In a previous statement, the agency said that antibacterial soap, sanitizer and cleaning supplies are being ordered for all offices “if they become available.”
The state is also testing out a telework system that would allow people to do their jobs at home, and reminding owners of some of the DHS buildings about their obligation to properly clean all offices.