Recently, a number of Canadian children’s camps had to deal with an outbreak of H1N1.  In response to a rapid spread of the flu virus amongst campers and counselors, these summer camps had to react quickly. In response, these camps had to develop policies about when to send sick campers and employees home. They had to be clear about when to give refunds and—if necessary—when the camp should be closed. Replacement workers and additional staff for extra cleaning were needed. In addition, communication with concerned parents of staff, campers and health officials had to increase. 

What occurred at these camps is just an example of how the regular day-to-day functions of a business can change dramatically during a health emergency. Fast forward to September and you can see how a similar situation could be replicated at universities and school boards around the world. Add the regular flu season to the mix and it becomes clear that plans must be in place now.

A national poll conducted by the Harvard Opinion Research Program at the Harvard School of Public Health  found that “If the outbreak in the fall or winter is serious and leads to large-scale workforce absenteeism, the survey suggests the possibility of substantial difficulties for many people and the economy as a whole. If people had to stay home for 7-10 days because they were sick or because they had to care for a family member who was sick, 44% indicate that they would be likely to lose pay or income and have money problems, and 25% reported that they would be likely to lose their job or business.” These results emphasize the role businesses will play in ensuring economic stability.

Healthcare facilities and educational institutions have plans in place,  as do many essential services. On top of a sound plan, the other piece of the puzzle is to ensure that information is updated regularly. The World Health Organization says, “The 2009 influenza pandemic has spread internationally with unprecedented speed. In past pandemics, influenza viruses have needed more than six months to spread as widely as the new H1N1 virus has spread in less than six weeks.”  Considering how rapidly the news changes with respect to the pandemic, planning committees need to meet frequently. For example, Caroline Alphonso writes in The Globe and Mail about a company that has “A special committee meets weekly, planning, strategizing and hoping for the best.”

In the past, I directed you to resources available on the Center for Disease Control website. This information was updated on June 25 and, therefore, bears repeating.  It is also possible to sign up for CDC news updates on Twitter, via e-mail or RSS. As Liz Douglas, Head of Group Internal Communication for Manchester Airports Group writes,  “Be aware of comments being made on social media sites such as Twitter through feeds from them and respond, if necessary, with accurate and timely information.” It is important to go to the most reliable sources for accurate information.

References:

Alphonso, Caroline. “Universities scramble to respond to rapid spread of flu.” The Globe and Mail [www.theglobeandmail.com]. July 21, 2009.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "10 Steps You Can Take: Actions for Novel H1N1 Influenza Planning and Response for Medical Offices and Outpatient Facilities" [www.cdc.gov]. July 14, 2009.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu in Workers" [www.cdc.gov].  June 25, 2009.

Douglas, Liz. “TOP TIPS: 10 tips for communicating during the Swine Flu crisis.” Internal Comms Hub [www.internalcommshub.com]. Obtained July 21, 2009.

Harvard School of Public Health. "National Survey Finds Six in Ten Americans Believe Serious Outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) Likely in Fall/Winter."  Press release [www.hsph.harvard.edu]. July 16, 2009.

World Health Organization. “Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 briefing note 3 (revised).” Global Alert and Response GAR [www.who.int]. July 16, 2009.