On April 18, 2006 a team from OPS and OSHEM briefed Museum and SI Unit Directors on Avian Influenza/Pandemic issues. The following list was distributed at the meeting:

1. Identify a pandemic coordinator or team for your SI Unit.

2. Find up-to-date reliable pandemic information from community public health, emergency management, and other sources.

3. Establish a Disaster Management Plan with lines of succession and list critical assets, functions and records. The plan should include identification of key contacts with backups.

4. Identify essential employees required to maintain business operations during a pandemic.

5. Establish policies for flexible worksite (e.g. telecommuting, CITRIX) and flexible hours.

6. Provide sufficient and accessible infection control supplies (e.g., hand hygiene products, tissues and receptacles for their disposal).

7. Implement guidelines to modify the frequency and type of face-to-face contact (e.g., hand-shaking, seating in meetings, office layout, shared workstations) among employees and between employees and others while at work. (Refer to CDC recommendations.)

8. Establish policies for preventing influenza spread at the worksite (e.g., promoting respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, and prompt exclusion of people with influenza symptoms)

9. Establish policies for employees who have been exposed to pandemic influenza or are suspected to be ill (e.g., infection control response, mandatory sick leave.)

10. Forecast and allow for employee absences during a pandemic due to factors such as personal sickness, family member illness, community containment measures and quarantines, school or business closures and public transportation closures.

11. Establish policies for employee compensation and sick leave absences unique to a pandemic (e.g., non-punitive liberal leave) including policies on when a previously ill person is no longer infectious and can return to work after illness.

12. Identify employees with special needs and incorporate the requirements of such persons into your preparedness plan.

13. Determine potential impact of a pandemic on business-related domestic and international travel.

14. Evaluate employee access to and availability of mental health and social services during a pandemic.

15. Conduct table-top exercises to test your critical office's response in case of a pandemic.

16. Disseminate information to employees about your pandemic preparedness response plan.

17. Anticipate employee fear and anxiety, rumors and misinformation, and plan communications accordingly.

18. Provide information for the at-home care of ill employees and family members.