What is the primary characteristic of personal service workers as defined by the Center for Disease Control?

The primary characteristic of personal service workers, as defined by the Center for Disease Control, is their close personal contact with clients. This close interaction is a defining feature because it involves direct services that require physical proximity, such as those provided by estheticians, hairstylists, and electrologists. This aspect of personal service work increases the likelihood of disease transmission compared to other jobs that may not involve direct client interaction. Close personal contact can often necessitate heightened awareness of hygiene and sanitation practices to protect both clients and service providers from potential health risks.

Working in isolated environments, performing tasks without client interaction, and focusing solely on administrative duties do not accurately reflect the nature of personal service work, which inherently revolves around direct and personal engagement with clients.