(A) When the regulatory authority has reasonable cause to suspect possible contagious disease transmission by an employee of a lodging establishment, it shall immediately secure a medical history of the suspected employee, make other investigations as necessary, and notify the state epidemiologist. The regulatory authority may require any or all of the following measures and any other measures which are deemed necessary for the protection of the public health:
(1) The immediate exclusion of the employee from employment in lodging establishments.
(2) The immediate closure of the lodging establishment concerned until, in the opinion of the regulatory authority, no further danger of disease outbreak exists. Immediate suspension initiated without a hearing shall only occur upon personal order of the Director of the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District.
(3) The restriction of the employee's services to specific areas of the lodging establishment operations where there would be no danger of transmitting disease.
(4) Adequate medical and laboratory examination of the employee and other lodging establishment employees, including collection of appropriate medical specimens.
(B) When the regulatory authority has reasonable cause to suspect possible contagious disease transmission by a guest of a lodging establishment, the guest room shall not be occupied again until the regulatory authority has given its approval. The lodging establishment manager shall follow the regulatory authorities' instructions with respect to required cleaning and disinfection of the guest room, bathroom, furnishings, and equipment or the temporary removal of furnishings and equipment.
(C) The regulatory authority may require the immediate closure of any lodging establishment or any portion of a lodging establishment, after proper notice has been given, if just cause to suspect the possibility of transmission of disease or other public health hazard will result from the operation of the lodging establishment or a particular portion of the lodging establishment. Immediate suspension initiated without a hearing shall only occur upon order of the Director of the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District.
(Ord. 782, passed 7-19-10; Am. Ord. 1029, passed 10-17-22)