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Hygiene

Asked by Linsey FarnsworthLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 3 September 2026UIN 19191

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the World Health Organization and UNICEF's 2025 Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Community Settings; and whether he plans to take steps to promote their implementation in public places and workplaces.

Answered by Department of Health and Social Care

The Department and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recognise that effective infection prevention and control measures play an important role in reducing the transmission of infectious diseases in workplaces, public spaces, and other community settings. Current evidence continues to support targeted, risk-based hygiene measures as an effective means of reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF's guidelines highlight the role of hand hygiene in community environments, including public and institutional settings, and in reducing diarrhoeal disease and acute respiratory infections. These objectives are consistent with existing Government policies to prevent and control infections and support public health.

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