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Written question asked by Linsey Farnsworth (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 3 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Hygiene

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department and the UK Health Security Agency have made of the potential merits of promoting targeted hygiene in workplaces and public spaces as a means of reducing the spread of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Answer

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.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
19192
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Hygiene Infectious diseases Antimicrobials
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk