Childcare Cleaning After a Gastro or Illness Outbreak: Victorian Protocol

Is it an outbreak? Who to notify

• Outbreak definition: two or more cases of vomiting and/or diarrhoea linked by time and place (for example, the same room in the same few days).
• Notify: the Victorian Department of Health on 1300 651 160 — they can advise on control measures and testing.
• Notify your regulatory authority if required under the National Regulations, and inform families.
• Exclusion: children and staff with gastro stay home until 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.

Cleaning up vomit and diarrhoea

1. 1

   Clear the area

   Move children away. Vomit can spread virus particles through the air around it.

2. 2

   Protect yourself

   Disposable gloves, apron and, for large spills, a mask and eye protection.

3. 3

   Remove the bulk

   Use absorbent granules or paper towel, scoop into a plastic bag and seal it.

4. 4

   Clean

   Clean the area with detergent and warm water, working from the outside in.

5. 5

   Disinfect

   Apply chlorine-based disinfectant at the label dilution and leave for the full contact time. Extend the clean about 2 metres around a vomit spill.

6. 6

   Dispose and wash

   Bag gloves and cloths, put soiled fabrics in a sealed bag for hot washing, then wash hands thoroughly.

Daily cleaning during the outbreak

The final clean when the outbreak ends

Once the Department confirms the outbreak is over (usually after a period with no new cases), do a thorough final clean of affected rooms before returning to normal routines. This is a top-to-bottom clean and disinfection of all hard surfaces, toys, equipment, bathrooms and nappy areas, plus washing of all linen, soft furnishings and soft toys.

• Steam or hot-water extract carpets and rugs in affected rooms — see the carpet cleaning guide
• Wash cot sheets, blankets, cushions, dress-ups and soft toys
• Replace sandpit sand if it may have been contaminated
• Restock spill kits and record the clean in your cleaning log

When to bring in professional help

Twice-daily disinfection on top of normal programming stretches educators thin. An outbreak visit from a professional team typically costs $250–$600 + GST depending on centre size and scope. Our childcare cleaning team can add midday visits and run the final clean after hours so rooms are ready the next morning.