A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. Of greatest concern today is a flu pandemic, which occurs when a new flu virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity and there is no vaccine.
It is difficult to predict when the next pandemic will occur or how severe it will be, but if a pandemic occurs it is likely to be a prolonged and widespread outbreak.
How to Prepare for a Pandemic
- See Emergency Response Plan for general information
- Encourage employees to practice good hygiene and healthy living habits
- Forecast and create policies to allow for extended absences
- Implement guidelines to modify the frequency and type of face to face contact among employees and between employees and customers
- Establish policies for a flexible worksite (e.g. telecommuting) and flexible hours
How to Respond to a Pandemic
- Encourage employees to stay home when they are sick
- Encourage employees to stay indoors and away from people as much as possible
- Expect interruptions of day-to-day operations as employees may need to telecommute or be absent for long periods of time