THINGS WE HAVE TO DO ……..and if we don’t do them we are committing a crime!
The Government of Belize should make sure they have the legal powers they need to impose quarantines, close schools and keep utilities and transport running in case of a bird flu pandemic.
The Government should also be working now on clear, simple public messages about the risks of bird flu and what preparations are being made as well as stocking up on food and medical supplies, the document advises.
The Government should consider creating a legal team to review current laws and regulations and assess how they would be applied during a pandemic,
For example, decisions on closure of schools, limits on use or practices on mass transit or public transport systems, restrictions on public gatherings, etc., must be determined by officials who can have the authority to handle these things, and not just let it drift.
The H5N1 avian influenza virus has not yet caused a human pandemic, but it has killed 132 people out of the 230 infected. It has infected birds in about 50 countries and is spreading faster than any other avian influenza ever has.
Many experts believe it may pose the worst threat of an influenza pandemic in 30 years.
"Medical response will be limited, restrained and potentially depleted during a pandemic. Outbreaks in people or birds may have to be met with "a pretty aggressive form of containment" and public gatherings eliminated.
Flu is highly contagious, but the 1918 flu pandemic, in which between 40 million and 100 million people died, showed that closing big buildings may help.
Consequently, public facilities -- schools, government offices, transportation hubs, museums, libraries, and convention centers -- would be the first considered for closing.
Private facilities -- shopping malls, concert halls, skating rinks, gyms, restaurants, bars, theaters, and grocery stores -- may be closed under general emergency powers or special powers granted during times of public health emergencies.
The Government would also have responsibility for making sure that utilities keep running when workers stay home either because they are sick, caring for relatives, or simply afraid to come out.
Remember what about the guys that go out and repair power lines? You have to think that you are going to have 40 percent absenteeism for a year or more.
The Government should be identifying key personnel and making sure each of them has a trained backup in case they cannot come to work.
Telecommunications should be checked now. We may find that government agencies may find, for example, that they do not have sufficient bandwidth or server capacity to allow large-scale telecommuting of its workforce."
The Government and private organizations should encourage and invest in increased food storage in pantries in government facilities such as schools, prisons, cafeterias, group homes, and state institutions. Businesses and individuals should do the same.
