Pandemic planning resources: North America

An update page to help organizations with business continuity planning for pandemics and epidemics

LATEST NEWS

Occupational Safety & Health Administration publishes ‘Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza’
New pandemic planning guidance has been published by the US OSHA. Entitled ‘Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza’, the document has been released for public comment. Click here for more details.
•Date: 16th May 2008• Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Scientists simulate pandemic influenza outbreak in Chicago
Model shows which mitigation measures are successful.
Read article
•Date: 13th March 2008• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

New light shone on why 1918 flu spread so widely and rapidly
MIT researchers have explained why two mutations in the H1N1 avian flu virus were critical for viral transmission in humans during the 1918 pandemic outbreak that killed at least 50 million people.
Read article
•Date: 20th February 2008• Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

FFIEC releases guidance on pandemic planning
The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council has issued guidance for use by financial institutions in identifying the continuity planning that should be in place to minimize the potential adverse effects of a pandemic.
Read article
•Date: 13th Dec 2007• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

FEMA Region I hosts joint pandemic exercise
Operation PANEX ‘07 was the first functional exercise of its type in the US designed to determine best practices for a coordinated multi-agency response to an outbreak.
Read article
•Date: 13th Dec 2007• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

HHS and CDC publish new pandemic planning guidance
‘Take the Lead: Working Together to Prepare Now’ provides a wealth of ready-to-use and ready-to-tailor resources prepared by HHS and CDC.
Read article
•Date: 7th Dec 2007• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Outbreak Anarchy - a business / community influenza pandemic tabletop exercise
The Red Cross has published the scripts for a recent pandemic tabletop exercise. The exercise aimed to bring business owners and community leaders together to collectively help plan and prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate the effects of an influenza pandemic. The resources provide useful materials for those developing similar exercises. http://redcross.tallytown.com/panflu/outbreak/
•Date: 30th Nov 2007• Region:US/World •Type: Briefing •Topic: BC testing
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Pandemic planning for utilities
A new guide, ‘The Microbiological Threat to the National Power Grid: Advanced Pandemic Planning for Utilities Executives’ has been published.
Read article
•Date: 6th Nov 2007• Region:US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Pandemic planning updates
FBIIC/FSSCC reports on pandemic ‘flu exercise; Human-to-human transmission of avian influenza detected; Projected supply of pandemic influenza vaccine sharply increases.
Read article
•Date: 26th October 2007• Region: Various •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hears from Associate Chief Medical Officer for Medical Readiness on pandemic preparedness
Associate Chief Medical Officer for Medical Readiness B. Tilman Jolly, M.D. has testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on the subject of ‘State and Local Efforts to Prepare for Pandemic Influenza.’ Read the testimony.
•Date: 5th October 2007• Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Is the likelihood of an influenza pandemic over-played?
A comment article by Continuity Central’s editor, David Honour.
Read article
•Date: 27th Sept 2007• Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

New report highlights 'pandemic fatigue'
Marsh and The Albright Group study says that the impact of a pandemic is likely to exceed what most corporate and governmental leaders have imagined, or are prepared for.
Read article
•Date: 27th Sept 2007• Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

‘Influenza Pandemic: Opportunities Exist to Clarify Federal Leadership Roles and Improve Pandemic Planning’
New GAO testimony published.
Read article
•Date: 27th Sept 2007• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs schedules pandemic planning hearing
‘The Role of Federal Executive Boards in Pandemic Preparedness’:28 September.
Read article
•Date: 25th Sept 2007• Region: US•Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

IBM unveils pandemic scenario simulation service
Will help companies test their crisis management strategies.
Read article
•Date: 14th Sept 2007• Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Strohl Systems adds pandemic planning module to PLANet software tool
Also announces pandemic planning webinar, to take place on September 12.
Read article
•Date: 6th Sept 2007• Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Unknown high mortality illness breaks out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
WHO responding rapidly to investigate; an important aspect of pandemic planning is to monitor outbreaks of all new communicable diseases.
Read article
•Date: 6th Sept 2007• Region: Africa/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

The North American plan for avian and pandemic influenza
Outlines how Canada, Mexico and the United States intend to work together to combat an outbreak of avian influenza or an influenza pandemic in North America.
Read article
•Date: 29th Aug 2007• Region: N.America •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

WHO report highlights the ongoing pandemic risk caused by established and new pathogens
Pandemic influenza remains the main global infectious disease threat, but other pathogens such as Ebola haemorrhagic fever and Marburg fever could also create major pandemics.
Read article
•Date: 24th August 2007• Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Invitations issued for US financial services sector pandemic planning exercise
US Treasury Department sponsored exercise to test readiness to deal with a pandemic crisis.
Read article
•Date: 20th August 2007• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Study examines the success of social distancing during influenza pandemics
Non-pharmaceutical interventions can play a critical role in mitigating the consequences of future severe influenza pandemics.
Read article
•Date: 9th August 2007• Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Registration now open for US pandemic 'flu exercise
SIFMA has announced that registration for the multi-week, US financial services sector pandemic exercise is now open.
Read article
•Date: 30th July 2007• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning US
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

New International Health Regulations come into force
Will help to make the world more secure from threats to global health, such as pandemic ‘flu.
Read article
•Date: 15th June 2007 • Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

WHO moves on plans for H5N1 influenza global vaccine stockpile
GlaxoSmithKline has said that it will contribute to the H5N1 global vaccine stockpile and Omninvest of Hungary, Baxter and sanofi pasteur have also indicated their willingness to make some of their H5N1 vaccine available.
Read article
•Date: 14th June 2007 • Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

US financial sector pandemic response capabilities exercise scheduled
Multi-week, sector-wide pandemic exercise scheduled to begin on September 24, 2007.
Read article
•Date: 29th May 2007 • Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: BC testing and exercising
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

US Department of Labor's OSHA unveils new pandemic ‘flu guidance for healthcare workers
OSHA has unveiled new safety and health guidance that will help healthcare workers and their employers prepare for a possible influenza pandemic. ‘Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers’ is available at www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA_pandemic_health.pdf It includes technical information on infection control and industrial hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infection in healthcare settings; workplace preparations and planning issues; and OSHA standards that have special importance to pandemic preparedness planners and responders in the industry.
•Date: 22nd May 2007 • Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic resources
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Message maps: blueprints for pandemic preparedness
A white paper from 3n which examines the role of message mapping in pandemic crisis communications.
Read article
•Date: 11th May 2007• Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Crisis comms
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

CDC issues interim guidance for the use of facemasks and respirators in public settings during an influenza pandemic
Facemasks and respirators could provide added value when used in combination with other preventive measures.
Read article
•Date: 4th May 2007 • Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Pandemic planning updates…
Recent news in the area of pandemic planning.
Read article
•Date: 20th April 2007 • Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Study finds that three quarters of people don’t wear respirators correctly: has pandemic planning implications
A new paper, ‘Respirator donning in post-hurricane New Orleans’, by Cummings KJ, Cox-Ganser J, Riggs MA, et al, has found that three quarters of people do not know how to correctly wear N-95 facial respirators. The findings are significant in terms of pandemic planning; intimating that regular pre-outbreak training and exercising may be required in this area. Read the paper.
•Date: 12th April 2007 • Region: US/World •Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Rapid response is key to understanding 1918 ‘flu pandemic successes
Cities where public health officials imposed multiple social containment measures within a few days after the first local cases were recorded cut peak weekly death rates by up to half compared with cities that waited just a few weeks to respond.
Read article
•Date: 4th April 2007 • Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

New report finds severe pandemic flu could lead to major US recession
States with high levels of tourism and entertainment could be the hardest hit.
Read article
•Date: 23rd March 2007 • Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning US
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

FDA publishes pandemic influenza preparedness plan
The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a pandemic influenza preparedness plan that defines the agency's current role in federal pandemic planning, such as expediting the review of new vaccines and antivirals, and spells out work it will do in areas such as food safety and targeting counterfeit drugs. The plan addresses six major areas: vaccines, antiviral medications, medical devices, food and feed safety, emergency preparedness and response, and enforcement.
http://www.fda.gov/oc/op/pandemic/strategicplan03_07.html
•Date: 16th March 2007 • Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Investment Dealers Association of Canada gives pandemic planning advice
Points out that members ‘might need to modify the business continuity plan solutions established to primarily deal with infrastructure issues.’
Read article
•Date: 7th March 2007 • Region: Canada •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Clinical studies provide hope for a pre-pandemic influenza vaccine
New GSK vaccine may help prepare, or 'prime', the human immune system to rapidly respond against variants of the H5N1 strain.
Read article
•Date: 7th March 2007 • Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

RMS releases first commercially available influenza pandemic probabilistic risk model
The model can be leveraged to allow corporate risk managers to understand the operational impact and estimated economic loss associated with a full range of influenza pandemic scenarios at the company-specific level.
Read article
•Date: 27th Feb 2007 • Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

'Flu pandemic could result in a bandwidth-choking surge in online traffic - telework plans at risk: Computerworld
Continuity Central explores the facts behind the headline.
Read article
•Date: 16th Feb 2007 • Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Freeman shares pandemic business continuity plan
The US company, Freeman, has developed a comprehensive plan for maintaining business continuity during an avian influenza pandemic, and the company has made it available on the Internet to help business continuity planners in other companies. Download a copy of the plan (Word document).
•Date: 9th Feb 2007 • Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

US Department of Health and Human Services selects Ogilvy PR/Washington for critical pandemic planning communications campaign
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, has selected Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide (Ogilvy PR) to execute its fundamental pandemic planning communications preparedness campaign for up to three years. Ogilvy PR will help HHS achieve its goal to prepare Americans with the knowledge and tools they need to prepare for and respond quickly and effectively to pandemic influenza at the national, state and local levels.
•Date: 8th Feb 2007 • Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

IFPMA publishes pandemic preparedness guidance
Business continuity planning advice aimed at the pharmaceutical and health care industry.
Read article
•Date: 25th January 2007 • Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Influenza updates
Scientists assess risk of potential ‘flu pandemic spread via global airlines; UN agency urges vigilance as new outbreaks of bird ‘flu are reported.
Read article
•Date: 24th January 2007 • Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Influenza updates
Bird ‘flu again spreads across Asia; Pandemic ‘flu unlikely to spread through water systems; Ramifications of widespread use of Tamiflu.
Read article
•Date: 17th January 2007 • Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Advice published on pandemic preparedness planning for US businesses operating overseas
The United States government has published a checklist-style guide to provide specific pandemic planning help for US businesses operating overseas.
Read article
•Date: 9th January 2007 • Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

US National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza: six-month status report published
Ninety-two percent of all actions due within six months of release of the implementation plan in May 2006 have been completed.
Read article
•Date: 19th Dec 2006• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Tabletop exercises for pandemic influenza preparedness in local public health agencies
Rand has published a new pandemic planning resource which provides a fully customizable template for a tabletop exercise for pandemic influenza preparedness that can be used by state and local health agencies and their healthcare and governmental partners as an exercise in training, in building relationships, and in evaluation. More information.
•Date: 12th Dec 2006• Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: US pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Survey explores the likely responses of people to an influenza pandemic
US survey looks at attitudes to working during a pandemic and how cooperative people will be with public-health instructions.
Read article
•Date: 26th October 2006• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Pandemic ‘flu preparedness going slowly in the US
According to a survey by Kimberly-Clark Professional, which also looked at the acceptability to employees of various contingency measures.
More details
•Date: 27th Sept 2006• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Pandemic Response Planning Services launched by Sungard Availability Services
Will guide companies through the assessment, contingency planning and incident management stages.
More details
•Date: 26th Sept 2006• Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: BC markets
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Framework for Pandemic Influenza Planning published
Businesses can obtain a ten-point pandemic planning framework from the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.
More details
•Date: 12th Sept 2006• Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Financial Stability Forum meets in Paris
Pandemic ‘flu planning and associated business continuity measures were on the agenda.
More details
•Date: 12th Sept 2006• Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: Financial sector
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

3n launches pandemic crisis communications solution
Communication tools and message maps provide the foundation for a comprehensive pandemic communication planning and messaging tool.
Read article
•Date: 29th August 2006• Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Crisis comms
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

GlobalOptions Group offers comprehensive pandemic ‘flu protection kits
SafirRosetti and James Lee Witt Associates (JLWA), two units of GlobalOptions Group, have teamed up to create and offer a ‘Bird Flu Protection Kit’ designed to help ensure worker safety at corporations, organizations, and government agencies. The contents of the Bird Flu Protection Kit can be viewed online where order forms are also available: http://www.birdflusr2.com
•Date: 4th August 2006• Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning US
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Latest pandemic planning resources
National Governors Association Center for Best Practices releases pandemic primer
‘Preparing for a Pandemic Influenza: A Primer for Governors and Senior State Officials’
http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0607PANDEMICPRIMER.PDF

Statins deserve study for treatment and prophylaxis during ‘flu pandemic
A new paper suggests that cholesterol-lowering agents may help lessen the symptoms of influenza and could be a viable treatment option in the event of a pandemic influenza.
http://www.infectiousdiseasenews.com

Scientists develop SARS vaccine with common poultry virus
Using the virus of a common poultry disease, Newcastle Disease, University of Maryland, College Park researchers have developed a vaccine that, in early NIH trials, successfully immunized monkeys against SARS and human parainfluenza viruses. They are now working on a vaccine for H5N1 avian influenza.

Webinar: ‘Ten Ways Executives Can Prepare for Avian Flu’
MessageOne, July 26th, 2 pm (Eastern)/ 11am (Pacific)
Individuals interested in participating may register at www.messageone.com/birdflu

•Date: 20th July 2006• Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: US pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Roche releases new pandemic planning guide for US-based businesses
Roche has published a comprehensive guide to help facilitate pandemic influenza planning among US-based businesses. The new, 70-page on-line Toolkit (www.PandemicToolkit.com) provides information and practical advice in response to questions posed by business managers about the avian flu threat in general, and the role of antivirals, in particular. Roche manufactures the anti- influenza drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate).
•Date: 18th July 2006• Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: US pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

‘Pandemic Influenza Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Guide for Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources’
As part of its ongoing pandemic preparedness efforts, the US Department of Homeland Security has completed the above guidance document. Read as PDF
•Date: 12th July 2006• Region: US •Type: Briefing •Topic: US pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

The Conference Board publishes the results of a comprehensive survey into ‘flu pandemic planning
It’s a work in progress for most companies.
Read article
•Date: 7th July 2006• Region: US/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

US employers not prepared for pandemic ‘flu, new survey finds
American businesses are ill-prepared for the effects of a global ‘flu pandemic, according to a new survey by Thompson Publishing Group. The survey found that 76 percent of the 468 respondents have no contingency plan for a pandemic ‘flu outbreak, even though 47 percent said senior management considers the issue important. What are employers worried about? Human resources-related issues (72 percent) and remote work agreements (48 percent) are the areas of greatest concern in developing a plan. Other concerns include IT/data processing (41 percent) and coordination with state and local governments (35 percent).
•Date: 16th June 2006• Region: N.America • Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

IBM to launch pandemic preparedness consulting service
‘Contingency Planning Assessment’ combines consulting and technology expertise.
Read article
•Date: 7th June 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic resources
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

International Facility Management Association provides view of current state of pandemic planning
Only 7 percent of respondents have completed pandemic plans; a further 18 percent believe that pandemic issues are addressed in standard business continuity plans, with no special measures being added for pandemic response.
Read article
•Date: 5th June 2006• Region: US/World • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Federal workforce not ready to telework during influenza pandemic
According to the Cyber Security Industry Alliance.
Read article
•Date: 17th May 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Survey explores status of pandemic ‘flu continuity of operations planning in US Federal government
73 percent of respondents admit that they will not show up at their office.
Read article
•Date: 12th May 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

‘Preparing for a pandemic: strategies for business continuity when a crisis hits home’
Jones Lang LaSalle has issued a paper with the above title that provides strategies to help businesses and property owners prepare for a possible pandemic outbreak.
Read article
•Date: 12th May 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza: Implementation Plan
The US Federal Government has published a comprehensive document describing more than 300 critical actions to address the threat of pandemic influenza.
Read article
•Date: 4th May 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning: US
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Harvard Business Review Report says that a ‘flu pandemic would be single biggest threat to business continuity
‘Preparing for a Pandemic,’ says that the unfolding, global nature of a pandemic makes it fundamentally different from traditional business continuity threats.
Read article
•Date: 4th May 2006• Region: US/World • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

20 percent probability of next influenza pandemic being worse than 1918 outbreak: RMS
Companies may be underestimating their risk if they assume that the 1918 pandemic is the worst-case scenario…
Read article
•Date: 3rd May 2006• Region: US/World • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Pandemic simulation exercise reveals potential strains on telecommunications infrastructures
Telecommuting may NOT be a viable contingency option according to an exercise conducted by the World Economic Forum and Booz Allen Hamilton in January: report published this week.
Read article
•Date: 28th April 2006• Region: W.Europe/World • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Many North American life insurers still in planning stage for ‘flu pandemic preparations
North American life insurance companies lag behind their international counterparts in their preparation for a possible avian influenza pandemic, according to a survey conducted during the first two weeks of April 2006.
Read article
•Date: 26th April 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: US Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

US, Canada and Mexico agree joint pandemic planning actions
These include ensuring that the business continuity plans of the respective governments consider the highly interconnected nature of the three economies.
Read article
•Date: 4th April 2006• Region: N.America • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

New survey shows large gap between awareness and action when it comes to pandemic threat
70 percent of businesses surveyed believe a pandemic would damage profitability, but only 47 percent have included specific measures in business continuity plans.
Read article
•Date: 31st March 2006• Region: Various • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

‘Managed transition’ is an essential aspect of pandemic planning
Use a six-phase approach linked to the WHO global pandemic preparedness plan, recommends the TABB Group’s Alex Tabb.
Read article
•Date: 24th March 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

International SOS survey finds that the ability to track employee travel is central to avian ‘flu preparedness plans
A new survey of Fortune 500 companies conducted by International SOS shows that large organizations see the ability to track employee travel as being central to pandemic risk mitigation efforts. International SOS asked respondents to identify the pandemic planning measures they are currently putting in place in their organizations. The top measures cited were:
Traveler locator services: 76 percent of respondents
Employee health-risk mitigation training: 73 percent of respondents
Formalizing work-from-home policies: 70 percent of respondents
Stockpiling of sterile masks and gloves: 41percent of respondents.
•Date: 20th March 2006• Region: US • Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Bank and Thrift agencies issue advisory on influenza pandemic preparedness
US federal bank and thrift regulatory agencies have issued an interagency advisory to financial institutions and their technology service providers that is intended to raise awareness of the threat of a pandemic influenza outbreak and its potential impact on the delivery of critical financial services. Read the document.
•Date: 17th March 2006• Region: US • Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

IMF highlights the potential global economic and financial impact of an influenza pandemic
If a pandemic is severe, the economic impact is likely to be significant, generating a ‘sharp but only temporary decline in global economic activity’.
Read article
•Date: 16th March 2006• Region: World • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Flu pandemic checklist for businesses
The US Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have developed a pandemic planning checklist for large businesses. Read it at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/businesschecklist.pdf
•Date: 7th March 2006• Region: US/World • Type: Briefing •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

US ‘woefully unprepared for bio disaster’
Disaster response and healthcare systems will be easily overwhelmed by a major bio disaster such as an avian flu pandemic.
Read article
•Date: 1st March 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: US pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Potential pandemic impacts on just-in-time logistics highlighted
The just-in-time global delivery system exposes companies to potentially crippling consequences when the next ‘flu pandemic strikes, according to Michael Osterholm, PhD, associate director of the Department of Homeland Security's National Center for Food Protection and Defense.
Read article
•Date: 9th Feb 2006• Region: US / World • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

WHO publishes draft proposals for rapid response and containment of high-risk influenza outbreak
The World Health Organization has published a new document: “WHO pandemic influenza draft protocol for rapid response and containment.”
Read article
•Date: 1st Feb 2006• Region: World • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Potential breakthrough in H5N1 vaccine development
New genetically engineered vaccine provides 100 percent protection against avian flu virus in study.
Read article
•Date: 27th Jan 2006• Region: US/World • Type: Article •Topic: US Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Pandemic influenza risk poses unique threat to businesses and must be taken seriously: FSSCC
Financial Services Sector Coordinating Council for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security issues paper giving preparation guidelines.
Read article
•Date: 26th Jan 2006• Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Business Planning for Pandemic Influenza
University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), February 14-15, 2006, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota. This event aims to:
• Identify the critical risk assessment and mitigation, public policy, legal, supply chain and human resource elements of comprehensive planning for business continuity in the event of an influenza pandemic.
• Provide business leaders with practical information needed to develop effective and timely corporate pandemic influenza plans.
• Identify the role that businesses should play in the development of federal, state, regional and local government pandemic influenza preparedness plans.
• Stimulate cross-business sector discussion of pandemic-related issues, interrelationships, and interdependencies of the business community.
• Provide the business community with current and comprehensive scientific information needed for pandemic influenza business continuity planning.
Register online at www.cidrap.umn.edu/summit
•Date: 19th Jan 2006• Region: US • Type: Briefing •Topic: Events
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

New Report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies
CSIS is developing model guidelines for disease exposure control to help communities prevent or minimize exposure to contagious diseases and disrupt disease transmission, when vaccines or other medical countermeasures are inadequate or unavailable. The full report entitled ‘Model Operation Guidelines for Disease Exposure Control’ can be accesses at: http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/051102_dec_guidelines.pdf
•Date: 5th Jan 2006• Region: US • Type: Briefing •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

US Congressional Budget Office reports on the potential impacts of an influenza pandemic
‘A Potential Influenza Pandemic: Possible Macroeconomic Effects and Policy Issues’.
Read article
•Date: 16th Dec 2005 • Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Fail to prepare for ‘flu threat and you risk a law-suit epidemic…
Businesses with no communicable illness policy and response plan may find themselves on legal life support for years to come, if pandemic influenza becomes a reality, according to Littler Mendelson, the US's largest employment and labor law firm.
Read article
•Date: 15th Dec 2005 • Region: US • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

International SOS survey looks at state of US firms' pandemic planning
Only 27 percent of large companies have begun to implement an Avian ‘Flu preparedness plan.
Read article
•Date: 13th Dec 2005 • Region: US / World • Type: Article •Topic: BC statistics
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Businesses believe that pandemic ‘flu is a threat, but few are prepared
According to a survey by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions and The ERISA Industry Committee.
Read article
•Date: 6th Dec 2005 • Region: N.America • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Global Health Security Initiative agrees bioterror and pandemic ‘flu action plans
Members of the Global Health Security Initiative met recently in Rome to discuss the international response to deliberate actions, such as terrorism, and naturally occurring threats to global health, such as pandemic 'flu.
Read article
•Date: 22nd Nov 2005 • Region: Various • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Continuity Central pandemic planning survey results: PART 2
Respondents to the above survey provided many useful insights into how pandemic business continuity planning is actually being done...
Read article
•Date: 18th Nov 2005 •Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: BC general
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Continuity Central pandemic planning survey results
The vast majority of business continuity managers believe that it is important that pandemic impacts are covered by BCPs - however levels of preparation vary greatly from sector to sector.
Read article
•Date: 11th Nov 2005 •Region: World •Type: Article •Topic: BC statistics
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

Gartner tells business continuity leaders to make preparations for the impact of an Avian Influenza pandemic
Offers a checklist of business continuity actions.
Read article
•Date: 31st Oct 2005 • Region: UK/World • Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
Rate this article or make a comment - click here

ARTICLES

A major pandemic checklist and assessment matrix
What factors should be considered when developing a business continuity plan for pandemic scenarios? Ian Rogers offers some useful checklist style advice.
Read article

A new planning paradigm: economic consequences of a pandemic
Geary W. Sikich takes a detailed look at the potential impacts of a pandemic and asks ‘business continuity planners - what are you doing?’
Read article

Banks and avian flu: planning for a possible pandemic
Many of the assumptions underlying much of today’s business continuity planning will not hold in a pandemic. Pat McConnell explains.
Read article

Bird flu: overview and economic considerations
A detailed report on the impacts of a ‘flu pandemic on businesses, by Bradford Frank.
Read article

Business continuity during an avian 'flu pandemic
Leslie Whittet provides a very helpful overview of the measures that organisations should consider when including pandemic scenarios in business continuity plans.
Read article

Communicable diseases: business continuity issues
Continued concern over Avian flu and the threat of a global influenza pandemic make planning for such eventualities a high priority. Jeremy Haworth, MBCI, outlines the lessons he learned during the 2003 SARS crisis.
Read article

My week with Avian ‘Flu
Training and reporting are all well and good, but when you find yourself in the middle of the crisis, your perspective changes. By Howard Pierpont CBM CBCP CRP.
Read article

Pandemic business continuity planning – things to consider
A very practical guide to pandemic planning for business continuity professionals, by Dr. Jim Kennedy.
Read article

Pandemic or pandemonium? Drawing on crisis management best practice to prepare for the worst
Chris Woodcock looks at the crisis management and communications aspects of pandemic planning.
Read article

Pandemic planning: a review of respirator and mask protection levels
Many business continuity planners are considering the use of respiratory protection equipment to reduce the threat to staff from pandemic influenza – but such equipment may be of little genuine use, says Jeff Charlton.
Read article

Strategic pandemic planning for business: one size does not fit all
Dan Dorman, Continuity Manager for DHL, highlights one area of pandemic planning which he feels has not yet received much attention: strategy.
Read article

Ten assumption-busting guiding principles for business pandemic planning
There are key differences between a pandemic and any other disruptive event – Dan Dorman explains what these are and how business continuity plans need to be adapted to address them.
Read article

The five stages of pandemic response planning
Charlie Straker provides a practical checklist to help business continuity managers develop pandemic response plans.
Read article

INFORMATION RESOURCES

World Health Organisation update page
The National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza
PandemicFlu.gov

Know of a link we should add? Let us know