If a cook with Norovirus is asymptomatic, what workplace action is required?

• A. Let him continue working with gloves
• B. Move him to a non-food area
• C. Exclude from work
• D. Request medical clearance

Answer: (C)

Norovirus is extremely contagious and can be shed by an infected person even when they have no symptoms. In a kitchen, allowing someone who is infected (even if asymptomatic) to work with food poses a high risk of contaminating foods, utensils, and surfaces, which can quickly spread illness to customers and other staff. Wearing gloves or moving the person to a non-food area does not reliably prevent transmission, because contamination can occur on hands, gloves, equipment, and surfaces, and transmission can happen even with good hygiene if the person is shedding virus. Medical clearance alone isn’t the standard safeguard in this scenario; the safest and most effective action is to exclude them from work to stop potential exposure while health authorities determine the appropriate return-to-work guidance.