Childcare centres: hand washing guidance issued in New Zealand

A KiddiSynk portable hsndwash unit being used indoors and out at a nursery

“Gastro bug” outbreak centred on Napier and Hastings

A total of seven childcare facilities as well as a school have been afflicted by a recent outbreak of norovirus, prompting calls for increased hand washing vigilance according to a recent report on the Hawke’s Bay today website

The unpleasant stomach bug is highly contagious and can only be controlled by way of effective hand hygiene – specifically careful hand washing with soap and water.

Dr Nick Jones, Hawke’s Bay DHB medical officer, is quoted in the report as emphasising the importance of this, in order to help control the illness that causes unpleasant levels of vomiting and diarrhoea over a 24 hour period.

Washing with soap and water – not gels – is vital

Dr Jones advised that

“Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds and dried thoroughly with paper towels, especially after going to the toilet, after changing a nappy and before handling food.”

In the UK, the NHS website offers similar guidance for norovirus prevention.

“Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.”

Gastro bug spreads to more childcare centres in Hastings and Napier »

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The KiddiSynk handwash unit can be used indoors or out
The KiddiSynk handwash unit can be used indoors or out

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Teal’s New Zealand and Australia distributor »

Teal’s representative for New Zealand and Australia is Transplumb.

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Transplumb is the exclusive producer and distributor for the Asia-Pacific region, providing sales and servicing of the Teal range of hot water hand wash units and accessories.

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