News and Media: PGL Statement regarding A/H1N1v

02 July 2009

A statement from PGL regarding A/H1N1v (Swine flu)

The recent update (30 June 2009) from the HPA (Health Protection Agency), states that there are currently more than 6,500 confirmed swine flu cases in the UK and that the spread of the virus is accelerating. There is also a predominance of the virus in schools. It is therefore reasonable to assume that, there is a chance that many schools and our centres will have cases of the virus at some stage as PGL welcomes more than a quarter of a million guests and 6,000 school groups annually to 26 centres across the UK and Europe.

We have recently had cases at our centres, and therefore we have been working closely with the HPA to minimise the spread of the virus.

We have followed all HPA advice including liaising with the local health authorities, isolating the affected pupils and implementing infection control measures.

The Surrey and Sussex HPA Unit issued the following advice on School journeys:
“Swine flu is now circulating fairly widely. There is no reason to have a blanket ban on school journeys, as the risk of acquiring the illness while away is probably no greater than while at home, and this form of flu is not, at present any worse than ordinary seasonal flu. Flu viruses do not survive long – certainly less than a day – in the environment, so going to a venue where there was a case previously is not a risk, as long as the staff at the centres visited have been advised to not to come to work, but to report in sick if they have flu symptoms – you can assume that this will be the case.”

No cause for alarm

Following the HPA’s risk assessment, we have been advised that no further action is necessary and all our centres should remain open as usual.

The Health Protection Agency released this statement (29 June 2009) with regard to the cases at PGL centres:

“We have provided advice to PGL on the management of swine flu cases in school children attending the activity centres. PGL has been fully compliant with infection control guidance which includes measures such as isolating children who develop symptoms during their stay and deep cleaning rooms between stays. As the virus is circulating in the wider London community, and particularly amongst school age children, it would be impossible to pinpoint any one particular setting as the source.”

The nature of our operation is that the majority of our activities are outdoor-based; groups stay for short periods of time and leave as new groups arrive so the potential for cross-contamination is limited.

In addition, PGL Staff showing any symptoms of any illness are being isolated and treated in accordance with HPA guidelines and best practice.

We are, of course fully prepared to deal with cases in the future. We would like to reassure teachers and parents that we will continue to follow HPA advice to the letter. In addition we will of course communicate openly with our guests on site and work with you to support your group in the event of an occurrence on centre.

What you should do before you leave

We ask you to be vigilant in checking pupils prior to trip, please do not bring them if they have symptoms, keep an extra eye on them whilst with PGL and notify us immediately if there are any symptoms.

For more information on swine flu call the national information line on 08001 513 513. Alternatively, visit the Health Protection Agency website at www.hpa.org.uk. The HPA advises anyone who develops symptoms of flu-like illness to stay at home and contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

What you should do while staying at our centre

PGL has asked all party leaders to enforce good hygiene practice in pupils and to be vigilant for symptoms. If pupils do show symptoms, PGL will work with teachers to take appropriate action. Each case will be assessed and, if necessary, testing and treatment will be provided.

And finally

Given the nature of the virus, events are moving quickly so if you have concerns or are worried, please contact us a day or so before your trip for a local update.

PGL Travel Ltd
01 July 2009

News

New sponsored athlete
We are delighted to be sponsoring Noah Hazelwood this year!

Christmas Card Winner
Our Christmas Card Winner has been revealed!

Maisie Potter
Maisie Potter looks forward to training with the GB team this season!

Joe Clarke focused on Olympic Selection!
The racing season has come to an end for Joe Clarke's and now all efforts are focused on the Olympic selection for next year!

The last netball weekend of the season went out with a bang!
There were fireworks of a different kind over the bonfire weekend at PGL Liddington, Wiltshire, when school netball teams battled it out in the finals of the last PGL netball tournament weekend of the season.

LOtC Badge
PGL are awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Badge once again

Josh Wedgwood selected for the 2012 GB Squad
Josh Wedgwood has once again been selected for the GB Kayaking Squad for 2012!

University of Bristol at Tregoyd House
University of Bristol High Performance Squad enjoyed a challenging stay at PGL Tregoyd House

Charlotte Fenn Update
Our sponsored athlete Charlotte Fenn has had a busy summer of sailing in preparation for moving out of her laser and into an Olympic class boat.

Joe Clarke Update

Did you make a Pinnacle booking?
In response to Pinnacle recently going into administration, PGL are offering to take over Pinnacle bookings and arrangements and will do everything possible to assist with any claims.

The new high-spec coach is unveiled
Watch out for our brand new eye-catching coach on the roads near you!

PGL staff help tidy up the famous White Horse of Osmington Hill, Dorset
Osmington Bay staff get stuck in to help tidy up the famous White Horse in preparation for the Olympics.

Kate Mannerings Update
A successful season Kate and her teammate who recently became UK SKUD champions!

Josh Wedgwood Update
On-track to competing in the 2012 European Championships!

Making School Trips Easier
We welcome the recent Government paper to reduce burdens on schools and make it easier to take pupils on school trips.

Living for sport at Caythorpe Court
Manor School and Sports College, in Northampton, has linked up with Sky Sports and the Youth Sport Trust to develop ‘Sky Sports Living for Sport’

Facebook and Twitter - Schools and Groups
Get involved with virtual tours, interactive maps, the latest PGL news and more.

Osmington Bay's Outdoor Classroom
Big plans to develop Osmington Bay's Outdoor Classroom.

Autumn 2011 Offer for Groups
Great value activity weekends for Uniformed Groups - Summer & Autumn adventures!

PGL and Manchester United Soccer Schools team up
Four teachers won the chance to attend the Manchester United Soccer Schools Champion’s day to experience stepping out onto the pitch in the “theatre of dreams”.