Hope and Emily - I am originally from the US, although I haven't lived there in ages. I was wondering how workplaces there would handle the virus, especially since many employees do not get paid sick leave and corporate culture often seems to dictate that people should come into the office unless they are on their deathbed. I am sorry to see that employers are being so unreasonable, but I can’t say I am surprised.

Where I live it is quite different. If you have a work contract (most people) you get paid sick leave. Basically you go to a doctor and they say you need 7 days off, or whatever. Your insurer (either private or the government) pays your sick days, unless it is a work-related injury or illness, in which case workers’ comp insurance pays.

Anyways, there have been campaigns online and on TV to reassure people that they will be granted sick leave if they get the virus and to go to a doctor, NOT to work if they have symptoms. It seems much more reasonable to me.