APEC Launches Pandemic Flu Planning Guide For SMEs

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APEC Launches Pandemic Flu Planning Guide For SMEs
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=250477​

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama)

Members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) are now be able to take necessary steps to counter pandemic flu, especially in terms of protecting their staff and businesses.

This was made possible with the launch of the "Pandemic Flu Planning Guide for Small Businesses" Friday which can be used as a straightforward checklist to help businesses in planning ahead.

The guide was endorsed by the APEC's small and medium scale enterprise (SME) ministers after their meeting in Hobart, Australia, which ended today, APEC said in a statement released here.

"Often SMEs are the least prepared to deal with emergencies such as a pandemic outbreak, and if people wait until the last minute to plan, it will be too late," said Lisa Koonin from the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

She said the guide was divided into three sections which covered the areas of making plans to stay in business, protecting employees' health and making preparations in their homes.

"Businesses should also identify what protections might be in place to ensure the safety of staff in the workplace," Koonin said.

This, she said, included ensuring the staff who are sick do not come to work and expose others to the illness, planning to prevent people from congregating in large groups, and promoting good hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing.

Koonin said businesses operators also needed to look at how they would deal with the interruptions to their business during pandemic flu, including preparing plans for dealing with supply chain disruptions and the possibility of reduced sales if customers choose to stay away from shops and public places.

"Finally, preparation for SME operators and employees should start with being prepared at home, including making sure there is a good supply of resources at home, such as water and non-perishable food, soap, flashlights, and other essential goods," she said.

-- BERNAMA