Businesses need plan for flu pandemic

ST. LOUIS, Nov 19, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Private businesses should prepare a plan for a possible avian flu outbreak, according to the Saint Louis University School of Public Health.

William Stanhope, associate director of the Institute for Biosecurity at the Saint Louis University School of Public Health, says private industry needs to create simulation exercises for pandemic preparedness. He has recently developed bird flu exercises for corporate clients.

"Businesses need to develop contingency plans immediately that will allow -- and encourage -- their employees to work from home," he says. "They also have to have a good idea of how much of their workforce is made up of single parents, because when schools and day cares close, those single parents will have no choice but to stay home with their children."

What's most important is for disaster recovery specialists within companies to take a hard look at the national pandemic plan and form a corporate response, said Stanhope.

"It is absolutely essential for businesses to meet with their local and state health departments and begin a dialogue," he said.

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