Last updated on February 19th, 2024 at 11:49 am
COVID outbreak definition and management
If two or more cases of COVID (where at least one case has been identified on or after day eight of hospital admission, if day of admission is day 1) are linked in time and place within 5 days, an outbreak investigation will be conducted, and an outbreak may be declared.
There is no longer a requirement to screen all patients or staff working on the ward if they are asymptomatic however:
Any patients who are symptomatic or develop new symptoms must be swabbed for PCR testing immediately.
Patients known to be positive for COVID during the current admission do not need swabbing unless they have new symptoms.
Any staff working on the ward whilst the outbreak is ongoing, who are symptomatic or develop new symptoms, must be swabbed for PCR testing immediately.
Staff who have been previously COVID positive in the last 90 days do not need screening unless they develop new symptoms.
Any staff being tested must record on the request form:
- Location = HWWB / and ward where outbreak has occurred
- Clinical information = Ward (add ward identifier) outbreak
Wider screening of asymptomatic staff and/or patients may be recommended by the Infection Prevention Team under certain circumstances e.g. patient cases in multiple areas of the ward or prolonged outbreaks.
The outbreak will be declared closed when the ward achieves clearance of 5 days since the last case (staff or patient), related to the outbreak.
Restricted visiting guidance will apply until the outbreak is declared over.