Blog, Schools and nurseries
Call to supervise children’s hand washing as stomach bug hits childcare facilities
Mar
Incidents of gastro in Australia show no signs of diminishing
Health authorities are concerned that outbreaks of gastroenteritis are “four times higher than usual in childcare centres” in the state of Victoria, according to a recent report on the Daily Mail website.
Author Andrew Prentice has warned that the stomach bug, which has a number of unpleasant symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and muscle pains, lasts between one and two days.
The latest “stream” of outbreaks has triggered the alert from health officials in the state, says the report. It’s caused when unclean hands are placed in mouths or touch food or drinks or contaminated surfaces are touched.
It is essential that children are helped to learn how to wash their hands properly says the article.
“Staff should (look to) supervise and assist young children to wash hands their hands properly.”
The importance of hand washing with soap and water
The Victoria State Government in its alert Increase in gastroenteritis outbreaks in childcare states that hand washing with gels does not work against the bug.
“Washing hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of infection. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective against many common viruses that cause gastroenteritis.”
In the UK, NHS guidance advises “wash your hands with soap and water frequently” to help spreading a gastroenteritis infection when it occurs.
Health officials issue an urgent gastro outbreak alert for childcare centres »
Hand wash units – wherever they’re needed!
Teal produces portable hand washing sinks that are idea for preschool and nursery children including the KiddiSynk and KiddiWash.
The Teal range of mobile sinks also includes the MediWash, Hygienius and Hygienius ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic and WashStand.
How to choose the correct mobile sink »
Teal’s Australia and New Zealand distributor »
Teal’s representative for Australia and New Zealand is Transplumb, supplier of portable sinks, basins and hand washing stations.
