An outbreak is 2 or more positive or clinically suspected ARI linked cases in the same setting in a 5-day period.
A provider should report a single case of Influenza.
A provider should report suspected or confirmed outbreaks to UKHSA.
A provider should undertake a risk assessment as soon as possible to determine there is an outbreak and the measures required to manage this.
The provider is not required to wait for advice should they feel able to initiate the risk assessment independently.
In addition, a provider should report COVID-19 incidents to UKHSA if they are of concern, for example if:
- there is a high number of deaths or hospitalisations
- cases are increasing rapidly
- there are staffing shortages or concerns about safety within the care home
- there is a suspected outbreak of another infection in addition to COVID-19.