Influenza A (H1N1) Virus & Pandemic Preparedness – Administrative Issues…

The UN: Roles and Responsibilities UN Managers Staff Members 2

The Organization: Responsibilities during a Pandemic To enact policies and administrative arrangements to help keep staff healthy, e.g., - telecommuting - avoiding face-to-face meetings - minimizing travel To keep staff informed of all developments that may affect them To keep on file updated staff emergency contact lists (also departmentally) To supplement local healthcare services as necessary (MSD)

What has the UN done so far? Medical Guidelines were updated in May 2008 Administrative Guidelines were updated in May 2009 Meetings of the Crisis Operations Group (COG) and the Senior Emergency Policy Team (SEPT) have been held to discuss the Influenza A (H1N1) virus Constant monitoring of latest public health guidance and news on pandemic situation continues Departmental Townhall meetings held for staff in New York Staff with critical functions briefed. Booklets and posters disseminated worldwide with family guidance The iSeek website on Pandemic Flu has been moved to the internet for easy access (

Pandemic 2009 Active use of staff pandemic website to disseminate information Staff FAQs developed Broadcast s to staff Critical staff training continued thru September Close collaboration with local Health authorities Preparation for possibly more severe wave

Managers: Responsibilities during a Pandemic To be up-to-date on the Organization’s relevant policies and assist in informing their staff (e.g. Admin. Guidelines) To be ready to implement departmental Business Continuity Plans: critical functions by critical staff To be sure that staff contact information is current To meet with their staff with critical functions to discuss the way forward and to regularly practice critical functions by telecommuting/practicing scenarios To inform staff without critical functions of what is expected of them: stay home, work on projects if desired, etc. To show flexibility and understanding to staff concerns, especially those needing to care for family members

If Pandemic Increases in Severity….. Consider active screening of staff who report to work Consider alternative work environments for high-risk staff Recommend that organization considers increasing social distancing in the workplace Recommend that organization cancels non- essential travel 8

The aftermath for Critical Staff: How extra time will be counted at end of severe pandemic wave May be amended by HR Network next month