Infection Control Updates from UKHSA - November 2022

Winter vomiting bug

• We are starting to see a rise in cases of diarrhoea and vomiting, usually caused by norovirus. It is highly infectious and outbreaks in schools and      early years’ settings are common.
• Teach children how to wash their hands thoroughly and do not rely on alcohol gels as they do not kill norovirus.
• Infected staff and students can return 48 hours after diarrhoea and vomiting have stopped.
• Guidance on if and when to contact the UKHSA Health Protection Team can be found here Managing outbreaks and incidents - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

UKHSA Infection Prevention and Control and Winter Readiness Toolkit for Early Years and Education Settings

• UKHSA South West website brings together all the resources settings need to prevent and manage infections including when to escalate to the HPT.
• Here’s the link UKHSA Infection Protection and Winter Readiness and Control Toolkit for Early Years and Education Settings - South West Councils (swcouncils.gov.uk)
• This includes the link to the new national resource, replacing the old ‘spotty book’.
• For ease the setting exclusion table is here Children and young people settings: tools and resources - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) which also contains links to posters which may be of use.

Save the Date!  Next South West Health Protection Team webinar on Infection Prevention in Education and Early Year’s Settings

In preparation for the bugs that will be circulating this winter, this webinar will help your school to reduce spread with a reminder of the actions needed to prevent and control infections.  The next date is Thursday 17^th November 4-5pm, to book onto this and other sessions visit Health Protection in Early Years and Educational Settings Registration, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite.