Source: http://kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=8303434
Pandemic Influenza planning for businesses
Posted: May 9, 2008 08:51 PM
Updated: May 9, 2008 08:51 PM
When you hear the word "pandemic", your first thoughts might be of the strain on medical resources. But a pandemic, like other disasters could also threaten the economy and the way companies do business.
That's why the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is holding Pandemic Preparedness sessions with business leaders across the state.
They say bird flu or a similar pandemic could hit anywhere with little warning. If that happens, they want to be sure Colorado's businesses can continue to provide the goods and services the public relies on.
During a presentation Friday for Grand Junction Business Professionals, speakers explained that during a pandemic about 35 percent of the general public could become ill. But, they say about 40 percent of a communities workforce could be absent. Missing workers may be staying home to care for loved ones or skipping work because of fear.
"A pandemic is different than the routine flu. It goes on in waves, it goes on for longer periods of time and no one is really immune. So, we want businesses to come up with various plans on how to deal with those kinds of things; cross training, developing a plan in advance," Dr. Maryann Motza explains.
Friday's meeting was the second in a series. Another meeting was held last Friday in Montrose. Similar sessions will be held across Colorado through July. After those meetings, the Department of Labor will outline recommendations for new statutes or legislative changes.
Pandemic Influenza planning for businesses
Posted: May 9, 2008 08:51 PM
Updated: May 9, 2008 08:51 PM
When you hear the word "pandemic", your first thoughts might be of the strain on medical resources. But a pandemic, like other disasters could also threaten the economy and the way companies do business.
That's why the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is holding Pandemic Preparedness sessions with business leaders across the state.
They say bird flu or a similar pandemic could hit anywhere with little warning. If that happens, they want to be sure Colorado's businesses can continue to provide the goods and services the public relies on.
During a presentation Friday for Grand Junction Business Professionals, speakers explained that during a pandemic about 35 percent of the general public could become ill. But, they say about 40 percent of a communities workforce could be absent. Missing workers may be staying home to care for loved ones or skipping work because of fear.
"A pandemic is different than the routine flu. It goes on in waves, it goes on for longer periods of time and no one is really immune. So, we want businesses to come up with various plans on how to deal with those kinds of things; cross training, developing a plan in advance," Dr. Maryann Motza explains.
Friday's meeting was the second in a series. Another meeting was held last Friday in Montrose. Similar sessions will be held across Colorado through July. After those meetings, the Department of Labor will outline recommendations for new statutes or legislative changes.
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