There is a growing threat that a pandemic influenza outbreak could become reality in the US. Many are wondering what the effects will be on business. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that among working adults, an average of 20% will become ill during an outbreak while school-aged children will be about 40%. It is estimated that a pandemic outbreak will last about 6 to 8 weeks. Multiple waves of illness could occur with each lasting two to three months. When an influenza pandemic occurs, many people will become sick and will be unable to go to work. Many will stay at home to care for sick family members. Schools and businesses might close to prevent the disease from spreading further. Public transportation might be shut down. These are examples of challenges that local communities, schools, and businesses will have to prepare for as a pandemic response. Business owners and managers must become knowledgeable about these risks and its characteristics. Once they are able to understand the disease, they can create a business continuity plan and begin to work through the logical social and economic impacts of the outbreak on their businesses.
Safety