The current outbreak of
influenza in the United States is the most widespread outbreak of the virus
since the H1N1 pandemic in 2009-2010, insurer Zurich North America said Friday.
The company has released two “risk bulletins,” posted on its website, to help
businesses keep employees healthy and minimize the impact on business
continuity.
Read the bulletins here: Influenza Outbreak: What your business should be doing
and Cleaning and disinfection plans during an influenza outbreak
On Friday afternoon, the flu reportedly reached an epidemic level in the U.S.,
with the virus widespread in nearly all states.
Canadian media also reported high numbers of flu-related emergency room visits
across the country.
In the last two weeks of 2012 (the most recent information available), 127 new
influenza outbreaks were reported, 87 of which were in long-term care
facilities, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s FluWatch report.
A total of 4632 laboratory detections of influenza were reported, the agency
said.
Among its recommendations for minimizing the impact of the flu, Zurich suggests
the following:
• Develop a committee to review, plan and oversee your company's influenza
outbreak response and how you will minimize the spread of communicable disease
in the workplace.
• Identify critical processes and functions that must continue for your business
to remain viable - Can some be automated or managed remotely or with fewer
employees?
• Evaluate critical suppliers and customers and identify suppliers that provide
critical raw materials, component parts or essential services and develop a
contingency plan for how you would operate if they were not available. Also,
consider that you may be a critical supplier to your customers. What do you need
to do to meet their needs?
• Identify essential employees or expertise to find ways to protect critical
employees through isolation, remote work or, if there is enough lead time,
medical intervention, such as vaccination.