The infection control services offered are unique to Cocoon Environmental Safety. We are the first Environmental Safety organisation to offer an Infection Prevention & Control package specifically designed for the Leisure Industry setting.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a severe form of viral gastro-enteritis (often called: winter Vomiting Virus, Norwalk-Like virus or SRSV's) which has become increasingly common in Hotels, Coach Tours, Cruise Ships, Hospitals and Nursing Homes. Left unchecked or poorly contained, the virus (due to its high attack rate) will quickly infect large numbers of customers and staff 30% - 50% of the population of a semi-closed environment is not uncommon.

Symptoms

The most prominent symptom is vomiting, often projectile, though nausea, diarrhoea, headache, fever and muscle aches also occur. Norovirus is highly infectious. Its incubation period is typically 24 to 28 hours. It has multiple transmission modes, the most common being by faecal – oral or vomiting incidents and the aerosols created which causes significant environmental contamination.

Business Impact – Cost

The effect of Norovirus is often highly publicised in the media as Hospitals, cruise Ships and Hotels are devastated by outbreaks. The impact on the Leisure Industry is of particular concern due to misconceptions regarding outbreaks. Often potential customers perceive the outbreak to be hygiene or cleanliness related. In most instances this is not the case! The virus is likely to be brought in to the establishment by a single person who was either ill upon arrival or carrying the virus following contact with an infected person.

Despite this fact, one Leisure Industry Resort reported at the NIPH Conference that three years after an outbreak occupancy levels had not returned to pre-outbreak levels. This particular organisation, have now invested over £150,000 in the development of an in-house training package.

Norovirus, unlike most bugs cannot be “kept outside” with good internal Food & Hygiene practices. The virus is carried like the common cold and although less prevalent is almost as difficult to control or contain.

The impact the virus is having on the Leisure Industry is considerable. At the recent NIPH Conference Norovirus was stated as being “a significant challenge to the Leisure Industry”. As indicated above, keeping the virus out is not an option.

“Businesses will be measured by their ability to contain the virus and minimise its impact. To deliver this a process of Prevention and Control requires to be instilled in the organisation.”

Prevention & Control Training

Cocoon Environmental Safety's Prevention and Control Training is based on guidelines and best practices derived from the National Health Service, Local Authorities, Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health and leaders within the Leisure Industry.

The training delivers the outcomes and core competences required to allow organisations to minimise and contain in the most effective manner possible.