We are starting to see an increase in confirmed/suspected norovirus outbreaks in the community.
You can help to reduce the number of outbreaks by making sure everyone in your setting washes their hands. This should take as long as singing "Happy Birthday" twice (around 20 seconds) and be with warm water and liquid soap. Handwashing should be completed;
N After using (or helping someone to use) the toilet
N After changing a nappy
N Before, during and after preparing food
Before eating food
N After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing (or helping someone to blow or wipe their nose)
N Before and after treating a cut or wound
N Immediately after hands have been contaminated with respiratory secretions, blood, faeces, urine or other body fluid
N After handling animals, pet food/treats or cleaning cages
Whenever hands are visibly soiled
Please remember alcohol hand gel should not replace washing hands if hands are visibly soiled or when there are gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and vomiting) cases in your setting.
If you are unsure how to wash your hands this short video will show you how https://www.nhs.uk/video/Pages/how-to-wash-hands.aspx
It is also important to;
N Ensure staff all know the early warning signs and symptoms of norovirus infection and outbreaks – More information can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Norovirus/
N Ensure there are adequate supplies of soap and paper towels within the wall mounted dispensers
Make sure you know;
N The cleaning standards required for your setting- please see chapter 6 for more information https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities
N How to deal with spills of bodily fluid- please see chapter 3 for more information:- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities
N Where your personal protective equipment is i.e. disposable single use gloves and aprons is stored and that it is adequately stocked
N Make sure you know where the vomit bags are stored and that there is adequate stock
N Make sure you know where the disposable wipes are stored and that there is adequate stock
If you notice symptoms
If a child or member of staff develops symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting advise that they do not return to the school till they are 48hrs symptom free.
Please see NHS choices website for more information
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
More Information
For further outbreak information please see chapter 4 using below link and appendix 3
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities