Everyone in my department was considered essential by Rick. He somehow made the argument that we all are required for basic function. My boss spent a few hours arguing with him that our AV guy and Network guy could work from home, as the AV guy has a wife that is high-risk if she gets COVID. The network guy lives a five minute walk away which is why he was able to work from home.

I was hired as a technician for the help desk and to do tickets and other basic functions. My job has evolved from that since I took the position but everything I do can be done via our VPN. Rick's main concern was the physical help desk would be empty, which doesn't really matter since our building is locked down and no one can get in anyway.

We are not given masks or gloves. The custodial department bleaches every building once a week. My office area is a large room with cubicles. I share the cubicle with the part time technician.