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In June, the World Health Organization officially declared a pandemic of H1N1 (swine flu). With Fall just a few weeks away, concern is growing about the pandemic and government, businesses and schools are preparing for a possible outbreak. We hope the articles below will provide you with some updated information on the swine flu and what you can do to maintain the continuity of your operations should the flu become widespread.

The CDC issued new guidance for businesses and employers on August 19; check it out. (Item #1)   This document, also from the CDC, provides communication information and resources for employers. (Item #2)   OSHA offers guidance on preparing your workplace for a flu pandemic. (Item #3)  

What's the government doing to counter the delay in swine flu shots? (Item #4)   Whether the flu strikes or not, many of us have anxiety about it; here are some ways to manage that anxiety. (Item #5)   Will the military be called in to assist local authorities in case of a pandemic? (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing about your concerns with regards to business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like to see covered, please email me at [email protected]

Best Regards,

Bob Mellinger
President
Attainium Corp

Quote of the Week

"Would it be the best thing that we spend money to have a vaccine for pandemic flu that never happened? ...
That would be a great outcome as far as I'm concerned."
- Anthony Fauci -

Articles

1. Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009 - 2010 Influenza Season
CDC is releasing new guidance that recommends actions that non-healthcare employers should take now to decrease the spread of seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu in the workplace and to help maintain business continuity during the 2009-2010 flu season. The guidance includes additional strategies to use if flu conditions become more severe and some new recommendations regarding when a worker who is ill with influenza may return to work. The guidance in this document may change as additional information about the severity of the 2009-2010 influenza season and the impact of 2009 H1N1 influenza become known.
http://www.flu.gov/plan/workplaceplanning/guidance.html

2. Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Businesses and Employers
The purpose of "Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Businesses and Employers" is to provide information and communication resources to help businesses and employers implement recommendations from CDC's Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009-2010 Influenza Season.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/business/toolkit/

3. Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic
In the event of an influenza pandemic, employers will play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as in limiting the impact on the economy and society. Employers will likely experience employee absences, changes in patterns of commerce and interrupted supply and delivery schedules. Proper planning will allow employers in the public and private sectors to better protect their employees and lessen the impact of a pandemic on society and the economy. As stated in the President's National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, all stakeholders must plan and be prepared.
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html

4. US tries to counter some delay in swine flu shots
The government is taking steps to counter a new delay in the arrival of swine flu vaccine, hunting factories that can get more of the precious liquid into syringes, faster. HHS has long predicted it would have 120 million doses on hand by Oct. 15, but now expects just 45 million by that date. It now appears to be more of a delay than a shortage: More will arrive rapidly, about 20 million more doses shipped every week.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i8ECp7b405v1aBmsMNJBjxc8gwpAD9A5BSTO0

5. Managing Your Anxiety about H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
The international prevalence and ongoing nature of H1N1 Flu (swine flu) together with speculation that it could become a more serious illness later this year can be anxiety producing. You can begin to prepare now by taking the following steps to manage your anxiety and maintain a positive outlook.
http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=194

6. H1N1 Pandemic: Pentagon Planning Deployment of Troops in Support of Nationwide Vaccination
According to CNN, the Pentagon is "to establish regional teams of military personnel to assist civilian authorities in the event of a significant outbreak of the H1N1 virus this fall, according to Defense Department officials." The proposal is awaiting final approval from Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=14580