Sally Furniss
Well-known member
A U C K L A N D S T O R Y
Preparing for the worst
20 May 2006
By LEANNE WARR
Police will continue to provide round-the-clock service if the bird flu pandemic strikes - even if it means fewer staff having to work longer shifts.
Leave might have to be cut back and healthy officers could be asked to work 12-hour shifts to cover for sick colleagues.
But the the number one priority will be maintaining law and order, senior sergeant Earl McIntosh says.
Waitakere area commander inspector Mark O'Connor agrees it will be business as usual.
Mr O'Connor says police have been working with Waitemata District Health Board on a range of scenarios staff might face if the worst happens.
Bird flu, also known as H5N1, is wiping out poultry overseas but has yet to develop into a strain that could be transmitted between humans. But scientists say it's only a matter of time and are warning people to take precautions.
Mr O'Connor says police are among organisations taking the threat seriously, just in case.
"We plan for a worst-case scenario and step back from that," he says. "Hopefully it does come to nothing."
Mr O'Connor says personnel would carry out their normal duties and back up health and emergency services if disaster struck.
But he says staff numbers could drop by about one-third as the virus spreads.
Plans are already in place to make sure officers are well protected.
Police have supplies of personal protection equipment kits held in a central location that could be deployed in the event of a pandemic.
The packs contain hand wash and towelettes, splash goggles, respirator masks, surgical masks, surgical gloves and instructions.
About 30 percent of the population is expected to get sick if the bird flu strikes.
Government officials say up to half of all employees could take up to a fortnight off work and advise companies to plan accordingly.
The bird flu virus has so far been detected in Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Turkey.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/0,2106,3673303a6016,00.html
Preparing for the worst
20 May 2006
By LEANNE WARR
Police will continue to provide round-the-clock service if the bird flu pandemic strikes - even if it means fewer staff having to work longer shifts.
Leave might have to be cut back and healthy officers could be asked to work 12-hour shifts to cover for sick colleagues.
But the the number one priority will be maintaining law and order, senior sergeant Earl McIntosh says.
Waitakere area commander inspector Mark O'Connor agrees it will be business as usual.
Mr O'Connor says police have been working with Waitemata District Health Board on a range of scenarios staff might face if the worst happens.
Bird flu, also known as H5N1, is wiping out poultry overseas but has yet to develop into a strain that could be transmitted between humans. But scientists say it's only a matter of time and are warning people to take precautions.
Mr O'Connor says police are among organisations taking the threat seriously, just in case.
"We plan for a worst-case scenario and step back from that," he says. "Hopefully it does come to nothing."
Mr O'Connor says personnel would carry out their normal duties and back up health and emergency services if disaster struck.
But he says staff numbers could drop by about one-third as the virus spreads.
Plans are already in place to make sure officers are well protected.
Police have supplies of personal protection equipment kits held in a central location that could be deployed in the event of a pandemic.
The packs contain hand wash and towelettes, splash goggles, respirator masks, surgical masks, surgical gloves and instructions.
About 30 percent of the population is expected to get sick if the bird flu strikes.
Government officials say up to half of all employees could take up to a fortnight off work and advise companies to plan accordingly.
The bird flu virus has so far been detected in Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Turkey.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/0,2106,3673303a6016,00.html