8 Ways to Protect Attendees From Norovirus This Winter

As the temperatures drop, people’s chances of illness increase – and this season has been marked by the increasing threat of norovirus.

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach virus flu that is spread by ingesting contaminated food or drink, touching contaminated surfaces or interacting with someone who is sick. It can survive on surfaces for days, or even weeks. Along with vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea, symptoms include nausea, body aches, headache and fever. 

“Norovirus has been a concern for many of our clients, along with the uptick in Covid positivity rates following the holidays and with the colder weather,” said Amanada Schleede, CEO of Attend Safe. “The biggest concern with norovirus is how quickly it spreads. Additionally, symptoms typically appear within 12 to 48 hours after exposure, meaning the virus can take effect relatively quickly after contact.”

In addition to norovirus, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control also shows spikes in Covid, flu, and RSV across the U.S. – a ‘quad-demic.’

It’s important for planners to demonstrate duty of care in response, just as they did during the pandemic. “Every event needs a norovirus and Covid risk mitigation plan,” Schleede said. “In the coming months when events will be 100% indoors, planners should have a plan before the event starts, instead of trying to ‘put out the fire’ after the spread.”

Following are 8 ways to keep meeting attendees safe this winter:

1. Encourage Extra Care Through Signage

Add or increase signage on site encouraging sanitary practices. Most importantly, encourage handwashing: Remind people to wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  

2. Add Hand Sanitizer Stations

Just like cruise ships have hand sanitizer at restaurant entrances, add these to the meeting floor, at meeting entrances, registration and food outlets.

3. Make Masks Available

Flu, Covid and RSV spread through tiny droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Masks are a first line of defense.

4. Speak With Your Convention Services Manager

Find out what your hotel or venue is doing to be safe. Make sure they are focusing increased attention on high-touch areas such as railings, door handles and conference room tables.

5. Ask About Kitchen Procedures

What is the protocol for kitchen staff who are not feeling well? It’s advised that those infected with norovirus are advised to wait at least two days (48 hours) after symptoms stop before returning to work.

Are fruits and vegetables washed thoroughly, and utensils, cutting boards and counters routinely cleaned and sanitized?

How is shellfish handled? Improperly cooked shellfish such as clams, mussels, scallops and oysters can transmit norovirus (most commonly oysters because they are eaten raw).

6. Consider Replacing Buffets

Buffets have the most potential for cross-contamination. Shared utensils are risky, so it might be time to return to stations with plated items and individual portions.

7. Communicate About Your Initiatives

Add information on the precautions your organization is taking to the event website, app and printed registration materials.

8. Offer Attendees a Plan B

Ask people who are already on site but not feeling well to stay in their rooms and participate via a live stream instead.