One of the best things you can do to fend off the coronavirus is to stay home when youre sick.

Problem is, millions of working Americans dont get paid sick days. A stunning 70% of low-wage workers and one of three workers in the private sector have no access to paid sick time. All told, more than 30 million Americans dont get paid sick days. Many work in industries where they have regular contact with the public.

The United States is one of the few countries in the world without a nationwide paid sick leave policy. In addition, millions of Americans dont have health insurance, or have insurance policies designed to keep them away from the doctors office, with high copayments and deductibles. Combined, both issues highlight how the coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak could test the United States uniquely weak social safety net.

Right now were looking at a situation where we have a lack of policies that most other countries take for granted that protect their public health, said Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, executive director of MomsRising, a nonprofit that advocates for paid leave.

This isnt a coronavirus problem. Its important to note that although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Americans earlier this week about the possibility of an outbreak of this disease, so far there have been very few reported cases inside the U.S. However, fears over an outbreak have put the spotlight on the public health system for some Democrats, coronavirus basically makes the case for long sought-after policies like universal health care and paid sick and family leave.

We have long had a slow, silent national emergency when it comes to any virus, flu or coronavirus, Rowe-Finkbeiner said. Its irresponsible not to have everyone have access to paid sick days this year or any year.