If an employee in a salon tests positive for a communicable disease, what should the salon do?

When an employee in a salon tests positive for a communicable disease, the appropriate course of action is to follow health department guidelines. These guidelines are established to protect the health and safety of both employees and clients in the salon environment. Communicable diseases can pose significant risks in settings where personal services are provided, as they can be transmitted through direct contact.

By adhering to the health department's recommendations, the salon can ensure that it takes necessary precautions such as notifying other employees, implementing cleaning and sanitization measures, or instructing the affected employee on appropriate steps for treatment and isolation if necessary. This response not only demonstrates compliance with public health regulations but also reflects a commitment to the well-being of everyone involved.

Continuing services as normal, ignoring the result, or sending the employee home without consequences could exacerbate the risk of spreading the disease and undermine the salon's responsibility to provide a safe environment for both staff and customers. Hence, following health department guidelines is the most responsible and ethical approach.