Health Protection Scotland announced on 30 November 2011 that the Norovirus season has officially started.
Advice to Care Home settings is:
- Follow the guidance entitled "General information and infection prevention and control precautions to prepare for and manage norovirus in care homes" 2011 which was previously publicised by the Care Inspectorate and Health Protection Scotland in November 2011.
- Implement control measures as soon as possible to reduce potential spread. Remember to keep service users and their family/friends informed. Make sure everyone knows where to wash their hands on entering and leaving the care home.
- Notify the local Health Protection Team (Public Health) and the Care Inspectorate immediately.
- Keep a note of what worked well and what could have been done better so that lessons can be learnt and feedback can be given to all concerned.
Please remember that this virus can affect children and staff in childcare settings too.
Prompt action can reduce potential spread to other service users, visitors and staff.