Businesses can obtain a free ten-point pandemic planning framework document via the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) website. The ‘10-Point Framework for Pandemic Influenza Business Contingency Planning’ is intended to serve as a guideline to trigger business continuity planning activities. It is an original document produced by CIDRAP staff and reviewed by 19 business professionals, representing a wide spectrum of industry sectors and relevant job functions.

Since there is no way to predict the timing or specifics of a pandemic, CIDRAP cautions that businesses need to plan now for the spectrum of possibilities, from mild to severe. “Our interdependencies are our strength, but they will be our worst vulnerability if we wait until the crisis is here to begin preparing,” explained Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, director of CIDRAP and internationally recognized pandemic expert. “This ten-point framework is an important component of CIDRAP’s efforts to provide authoritative information and guidance to help businesses become better prepared for a pandemic in today’s just-in-time global economy.”

The concise framework is an effective tool for educating top executives, as well as providing a sound foundation for which individuals working in human resources, business continuity, risk management, environment, health and safety, and security areas of organizations can begin to take action or identify potential gaps in existing planning efforts.

Access the framework at www.cidrap.umn.edu/10points Registration is required to obtain the document. After registration the document will be emailed to you.

•Date: 12th Sept 2006• Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
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