WHO raise flu pandemic alert to level 5
Experts at the World Health Organisation have been predicting that we are closer to a human influenza pandemic now than at any time since the last pandemic in 1968 (Hong Kong flu). The UK Government has stated that, along with terrorism, drought and bird flu, a human flu pandemic is one of the highest profile risks currently facing the UK. While SARS and bird flu may have proved to be false alarms, the recent outbreak of swine flu in Mexico appears to have mutated to the point where there is now a significant level of human to human transmission.
Since 2005 the UK Government has been urging businesses to develop robust and flexible arrangements for dealing with a flu pandemic. Consequently, we have been assisting companies with their planning and preparations for the last four years. Our approach has always been to maintain a proportionate response and to link response actions to the different pandemic alert levels. With the move to alert level 5, we suggest that – as a minimum – organisations:
• Review any policy decisions already taken on travel, absence, flexible working, home working and so on
• Ensure all senior managers are fully briefed on the current pandemic and the plans you have in place
• Decide when you will begin to implement revised arrangements for cleaning and waste removal and provide extra facilities for hand-hygiene
• Decide when you will begin to implement your communications plan, remembering the importance of both internal and external communications
• If you have not already done so, begin cross-training staff in those areas already identified as critical and susceptible to disruption through absence
For those organisations that have not yet begun any planning for dealing with the impact of a flu pandemic, now would be a good time to start!
If you would like to discuss your current arrangements or you need help with developing a response that is right for your organisation, call Steven Garrod on 01933 666 800 or email him: steven.garrod@garrisoncontinuity.com