self-quarantine
Definition
Self-quarantine is when a person voluntarily isolates themselves from others to prevent the potential spread of an infectious disease, without being legally ordered to do so by a government authority. It differs from a mandatory quarantine because the person is choosing to stay home on their own rather than being required by law.
Example
If one of your employees traveled to a region with a disease outbreak and decided to stay home for two weeks out of caution before returning to work, that employee would be self-quarantining.
Watch Out
Even though self-quarantine is voluntary, your business may still have legal obligations around pay, job protection, and sick leave for employees who choose to self-quarantine, so check your local labor laws carefully.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.