Telework: Not for Everyone

    It has been barely two weeks since Prime Minster Abe declared a state of emergency in seven prefectures. Following this was an appeal from other regional governors to extend the state of emergency in their areas as the growing cases seem to be overwhelming. As of the 16th of this month, the whole nation has been on a state of emergency.

    Despite Abe’s call for telework, many still go to work wearing face masks and doing their best to practice every precautionary measure there is possible. As an ALT assigned in a public school, I continue to report to school two to three times a week. I am fortunate to work from home for the other two remaining working days.

    My husband is a tattoo artist working for a company in the heart of Aichi Prefecture. This means commuting via train and transferring from one city to another. In his line of work, practicing social distancing is close to impossible and therefore puts him and his clients at risk, not only them but including the other artists and clients in the studio. Many other workers have also expressed their plight, most especially the ones who still have to continue working in factories and public offices. Although there is a need to continue working, they also admit they can’t help but fear for their health and well being.

    What can be done when the government requests for its people to stay at home to reduce the spread of infection but at the same time we just can’t? We fear the two sides of this pandemic: the threat of an economic recession and a high mortality. As employees, we can only do so much. I reckon, however, that at the end of the day, employers and company owners still play the bigger part in keeping their employees safe.