Confirmed / Suspected norovirus outbreaks in the community - Know what to do

​The Walsall Early Years team have contacted us to say they are starting to see an increase in confirmed/suspected norovirus outbreaks in the community.

We can all help to reduce the number of outbreaks by making sure everyone washes their hands. This should take as long as singing "Happy Birthday" twice (around 20 seconds) using warm water and liquid soap. Handwashing should be completed;

•  After using (or helping someone to use) the toilet
• After changing a nappy
• Before, during and after preparing food

Before eating food

• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing (or helping someone to blow or wipe their nose)
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• Immediately after hands have been contaminated with respiratory secretions, blood, faeces, urine or other body fluid
• 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.
 
This short video will show you how to properly wash your hands https://www.nhs.uk/video/Pages/how-to-wash-hands.aspx
 
It is also important to;

•  Ensure we 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/

 
If you notice symptoms
 
If someone develops symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting - they are advised that they do not return to school/nursery/work until 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