That’s the message from Jacob, Ruby, Ben and friends.
These kids know how important hygiene is, especially when visiting places like farms and petting zoos. They might not know the names of all the nasty bugs and germs that can be caught, but they understand that keeping clean is essential to keeping healthy.
Their parents, together with grown ups from the council and the PCT joined the children to share the message about keeping safe from infection. Officers from Ashton, Wigan and Leigh Primary Care Trust infection control and Wigan Council’s business compliance team are working together on the message for the borough.
Wigan Council’s champion for lifestyle, Cllr Paul Prescott, says: “Visiting a farm is an enjoyable and educational experience for many people, particularly children. However, such visits can never be free from all risks, so we need to ensure kids and grownups alike are aware of good hygiene.”
Top tips for a farm visit:
- Check the hygiene facilities at the farm – there should be good handwashing facilities with hot water, soap and paper towels.
- Always wash hands carefully after touching the animals and other farm objects and especially before eating or drinking.
- Do not eat or drink or put your fingers in your mouth while you are near animals or before you have washed your hands.
- Clean your wellingtons and pushchair wheels before leaving the farm.
Cllr Prescott is keen that childminders and nurseries get the latest information on how to keep children safe from infection. The aim is to reduce the risks of a child being struck down with life dangerous infections, whether from day trips or just being in school with others, and also how to prevent children from catching the measles.
The message is about good hygiene practices, and also the importance of having the full two doses of the vital MMR jab is also emphasised following the recent measles outbreak in Salford, where 25 people were struck down this summer. The MMR is normally given to children aged 13 months, with a follow up before starting school. The vaccine is used worldwide and is very safe.
The council and PCT are keen for the information they produce to be easily available to parents and childminders. The information has been provided to all registered childminders and private nurseries.
If you would like more information on infection control then please contact the infection control team on 01942 481733
