How long must a person be symptom-free before returning to work?

A person must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to work, especially in the context of food service and other health-sensitive occupations. This guideline is primarily in place to prevent the potential spread of infectious diseases, such as norovirus or the flu, which can be transmitted easily in a work environment. The 24-hour period ensures that an employee has had enough time to recover before returning to their duties, thereby maintaining a healthier workplace and protecting public health.

This standard is based on public health recommendations and helps ensure that employees do not return too soon when they might still be contagious. Having a designated symptom-free duration like 24 hours provides clarity and consistency for both employers and employees regarding when it's safe to return to work.