The World Health Organization yesterday declared the seven-week-old outbreak of the novel H1N1 influenza virus a pandemic, marking it as a historic global health event, one whose consequences may not be known for years.
The announcement -- expected for weeks but made with some reluctance -- essentially warns the WHO's 194 member nations to get ready for the new flu strain, which is likely to infect as much as one-third of the population in the first wave and return in later waves that may be more severe. read more here.
While this strain of the flu is still mild, it could mutaute into something more deadly. It is a definite wake-up call to workplaces to prepare a Pandemic Plan. Businesses and organizations need to consider how a pandemic will affect business continuity. How would a business continue day to day operations if much of their workforce were sick?
If your company still does not have a pandemic plan, now is the time to do so. A quick Google search of "Pandemic Preparedness Plan" will result in excellent ideas and tutorials to make the task easier.
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