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SARS has the potential to cause major economic
losses due to absenteeism, loss of critical staff and the quarantining-off
of business facilities. Possible business continuity response measures
include:
1. Gain knowledge
Research the disease in as much depth as possible so that you fully
understand the implications for your organisation and how large
a risk SARS constitutes.
2. Monitor the current situation
The World Health Organisation website and most governments are providing
up-to-date information on disease outbreaks. It is important to
know when any of your business operations become at risk from nearby
outbreaks.
3. Liaise with your local health authorities
Your local health authority should have a pandemic contingency plan.
You may find it helpful to obtain a briefing on its contents. This
will help you ascertain what support your business can expect in
a SARS outbreak and what policies the authority will operate to.
4. Contingency measures
Take measures to help reduce the risk of staff catching SARS and
spreading the disease if infected:
* Encourage employees to avoid travelling into regions and countries
where outbreaks have taken place. Follow governmental travel advice
and warnings.
* If any SARS cases are reported in your area encourage staff to
avoid crowds. If possible encourage and facilitate home-working.
Replace face-to-face business meetings, seminars and conferences
with web-based and tele-conferencing alternatives.
* You may feel that it is appropriate to provide staff with face-masks
and alcohol wipes to help avoid cross-contamination.
* Staff should be sent home at the first sign of any symptoms. They
should be told not to return to the workplace until it is clear
that they are not infected with SARS.
•Date:
9th April 2003 •Region: Worldwide •Type:
Article •Topic: BC
general
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