I think it's great that you spoke up, Mountaindewed. After reading your story, I would have spoken up, too. They need to hear such feedback.

From what I have seen, California's covid cases seem to be greatly on the rise again. Not on the decline. See US coronavirus map: Tracking the United States outbreak That fact should bring with it some common sense. It's a shame that it doesn't always. Most people in my state were extremely vigilant in lowering the numbers. Many New Jerseyans can be tough folks, yelling at strangers to put on a mask or leave. That may seem harsh to some, but it surely helped. Most people in my state DO know someone who got covid. Many know a lot of people. You're right not to treat it casually, or like a hoax. By the way, California just took the #2 position for most cases in the US, after New York. New Jersey had been #2 for a long while.

Is it at all possible for you to work from home? If so, would you consider asking to work from home for a little while until the covid cases are on the decline again?