Weekly tip: Protecting employees from norovirus

Hospitals should develop a sick leave policy for staff members who exhibit norovirus symptoms. The CDC's 2011 Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Healthcare Settings indicates that hospitals should exclude ill personnel from work for a minimum of 48 hours after the resolution of symptoms. Once personnel return to work, frequent hand hygiene should be reinforced, particularly after patient contact.

Additionally, nonessential staff, students, and volunteers should be excluded from areas that contain a norovirus outbreak.

For more tips, visit the Hospital Safety Center.