The World Health Organization, nations around the world, and local government authorities have begun their own pandemic flu contingency planning efforts, and all are asking businesses to do their own contingency planning.
Consider the impact on businesses with as much as 40% absenteeism rate in their labor force. There are many secondary effects, including but not limited to:
* supplier shortages
* fuel shortages
* transportation disruptions
* utility disruptions
* government-mandated mass quarantines
* restrictions on travel
It is imperative that businesses:
* educate their employees
* help to keep their employees – and their employees’ families – healthy
* implement means for slowing the spread of infection in the workplace
* cross-train workers
* document processes and procedures
* multi-source critical supplies and services
* learn how to produce goods and services with fewer employees
Families need to do their own planning. Families need to stockpile food and medical supplies and take other actions.
Useful web sites:
http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
http://www.doh.wa.gov/panflu/default.htm
http://www.doh.wa.gov/panflu/planningsummary.htm
http://www.doh.wa.gov/phepr/handbook/prevent.htm
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/index.html
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PandemicFluPlanning/
Peter H. Gregory 