The Federal Government recently cited public health measures to contain a pandemic, should it occur in the United States. Some feel that the question is not if it occurs, but when it occurs. Additionally, a pandemic is global, and not localized to any specific country. Therefore, the impact is felt around the world.
Acknowledging the above facts, makes the health containment measures more signficant, due to the extensiveness of the area to be covered.
Public Health Measures to Contain
1. Closing schools. The Internet may help children maintain school progress.
2. Quarantining homes when resident(s) have flu
3. Declaring “flu days’ whereby, no one goes to work (even without this
proclamation, absenteeism may be as high as 40% due to illness). As
common services, such as grocery stores, may no longer be open; each
household will need to have provisions available.
4. Closing places of assembly such as churches, theatres, restaurants.
5. Limiting the area children are allowed. Children may be permitted to play
with other siblings or parents only.
There is no doubt that the extensiveness and length that public health measures will have to be in place will severely disrupt our economy, our very way of life. Families will suffer severe financial losses, and possibly be in ruin, if they live through the pandemic. Perhaps, the larger question will be that 98 out of 100 people will live through the pandemic, but their way of life will be significantly altered forever.
Therefore, it is vital that communications during a pandemic be accurate, simple, concise, and consistent; as the morale of the public will be dampened, and the pervasiveness of the crises will require clear communication.
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