So I've just tested positive for COVID-19. I was super careful, did everything right, and I still got it. If you're wondering how that's possible, here's a thread for you (1/8).

I just finished my Ph.D in August. When my GA contract ended, so did my income and my health insurance. Under our insurance contract, students are not eligible for COBRA coverage. As students, our tax situation also means that we are not eligible to receive unemployment (2/8)

On September 1, I found myself without healthcare or income. So what did I do? I returned to the job I have over 10 years of experience in. Dentistry. (3/8)

Since September I've managed a practice where we have tried our very best to keep everyone safe. But there is only so much you can do without gut renovating a building that wasn't built with a pandemic respiratory virus in mind. (4/8)

The office design necessarily puts me at risk, and we see between 6-15 patients a day. Patients who must remove their masks in order for the doctor to help them. Some patients would pull down their masks, peek around the plexi barrier, etc. Some called it a hoax to my face (5/8)

One of them very likely infected me. I go nowhere, see the same 5 people and infrequently at that. My personal hygiene is impeccable. And I still got COVID-19. (6/8)

I got it because I had no choice but to work in a job that could not be done remotely. Had the government passed the HEROES act, I could have stayed home without having to choose between poverty and illness. I am in this situation only because our leaders have failed us. (7/8)

Feeling good and hoping to remain without symptoms. Please everyone, for the love of God stay safe out there. (8/8).

Quick addendum: yes, I realize hospital and emergecy HCWs have to work to keep us all safe. But these elective, and in our case, cosmetic, procedures put other HCWs at risk who would happily stay home if they could afford to. How many of us will die because we can't?