When can a food worker who has contracted Norovirus return to work?

A food worker who has contracted Norovirus should return to work only after being asymptomatic for at least 48 hours. This guideline is rooted in the understanding of how Norovirus spreads and the potential risks associated with returning to work too soon. Norovirus is highly contagious, and individuals may still be shedding the virus and can transmit it to others even after they feel better.

Staying symptom-free for 48 hours ensures that the food worker is no longer contagious and minimizes the risk of further outbreaks. This period allows time for recovery and helps maintain food safety standards in the establishment. Other options, such as returning after 24 hours or based solely on a negative test, do not provide the necessary assurance that the individual is no longer a risk to others. Similarly, being cleared by a manager does not take into account the actual health status of the worker in relation to the viral infection. Thus, waiting for a full 48 hours of being asymptomatic aligns with public health recommendations for preventing the spread of Norovirus in food service environments.