What is the appropriate action for healthcare workers until they are non-infectious?

Healthcare workers who are infectious pose a risk to both patients and colleagues, which necessitates a careful approach to managing their presence within a healthcare setting. Furloughing healthcare workers until they are deemed non-infectious is the most appropriate action because it ensures that they do not continue to expose others to potential infectious agents. This action helps maintain a safe environment for both patients and staff, which is paramount in healthcare settings.

Furloughing allows time for the affected individual to recover fully without the pressure of workload, while also safeguarding public health. Once they are confirmed to be non-infectious, they can safely return to work without risking further transmission.

In contrast, reassigning workers to a different department, providing alternative duties, or allowing them to work from home may not adequately prevent the spread of infection, as they could still interact with others or handle responsibilities that could involve contact with patients or contaminated materials. It is critical to ensure absolute containment of infectious risks, which is why a furlough is the most disciplined and effective response in this scenario.