Can "excluded" employees return to work as soon as they feel better?

An employee who has been "excluded" from work typically has health concerns that could potentially pose a risk to the safety and wellbeing of others, particularly in a food service environment. This exclusion is often based on guidelines designed to prevent the spread of illness, especially when it comes to foodborne pathogens.

Simply feeling better does not necessarily mean the employee is no longer contagious or that they have fully recovered. There may be specific protocols in place, such as waiting a certain amount of time after symptoms resolve or obtaining a medical clearance, before returning to work. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of customers and coworkers, which is essential in the food handling industry. Therefore, an excluded employee is not permitted to return to work immediately upon feeling better; established health guidelines and policies must be followed.