Tag Archive for Pandemic

The New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center (ROIC) conducted research regarding the process necessary for successful recovery from COVID-19. This research and subsequent analysis focused on proper return-to-work procedures for first responders, while ensuring the safety of all. Although limited data is available specifically referencing first responders, numerous international scientific studies provide best practices for determining an individual’s ability to safely resume their duties. Links for more information are provided throughout this report.

(U//FOUO) DHS Bulletin: Cybercriminals See Opportunity to Exploit Online Distance Learning Platforms and Users

May 17, 2020

Most US school districts as of 23 March 2020 are and will remain closed until the end of the academic school year or “until further notice” because of COVID-19, according to data provided by a Maryland-based online publication that provides scholastic news and analysis. This Article assumes that while pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools, institutions of higher education, and business and trade schools are closed, many are relying on internet-enabled distance learning (eLearning) alternatives in place of traditional classroom instruction.

FBI Private Sector Report: Indicators of Fraudulent 3M Personal Protective Equipment

May 15, 2020

The FBI’s Minneapolis Division, in coordination with the Office of Private Sector (OPS), Criminal Investigative Division (CID), and 3M, prepared this LIR to make the Healthcare and Public Health Sectors aware of indicators related to fraudulent sales solicitation of 3M Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), or indicators of counterfeit 3M PPE, including N95 respirators.

World Health Organization-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Report

March 9, 2020

The COVID-19 virus is a new pathogen that is highly contagious, can spread quickly, and must be considered capable of causing enormous health, economic and societal impacts in any setting. It is not SARS and it is not influenza. Building scenarios and strategies only on the basis of well-known pathogens risks failing to exploit all possible measures to slow transmission of the COVID-19 virus, reduce disease and save lives.

(U//FOUO) California State Warning Center Situation Cell Incident Report 2020 novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) February 9, 2020

February 16, 2020

Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern. The risk from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus, including whether and how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus. Investigations are ongoing to learn more, but some degree of person-to-person spread of 2019-nCoV is occurring. It is not clear yet how easily 2019-nCoV spreads from person-to-person. While CDC considers this as a serious public health concern, based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time.

NYC Health Department: Pandemic Influenza and Business Preparedness

October 18, 2009

Control Measures to Limit Dissemination of Influenza
•Covering mouth/nose with a tissue when coughing
•Post signs that promote respiratory/cough hygiene in common areas
•Hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions
•Make hand sanitizers available to your staff
•If feasible, screen personnel for cough or fever before they come on duty
•Ill workers should be advised to stay home

Novel Influenza A H1N1 Update

October 15, 2009

* Disease likely persists through summer in US, possible surge in late August when school returns
* Monitor closely for genetic and antigenic virus changes
* Expected higher attack rate (20-30%) than in spring (6-15%), notably affecting younger individuals
* Vaccine availability possibly mid October, Federal funds for distribution and administration are available
* Healthcare facility support in part from HPP grants
* SNS Antiviral stocks likely to be distributed
* Drifted H3N2 may co-circulate with novel H1N1

Queensland Government Pandemic H1N1 Situation Report August 5, 2009

September 17, 2009

Gold Coast

• Media are reporting concerns about the imminent arrival of almost 1,000 organ recipients on the Gold Coast for the World Transplant Games. The Local Organising Committee Chairman is said to be negotiating with a health provider to set up a flu clinic at the Games. [couriermail.com.au, 4/8/09]

• Queensland Health has had extensive correspondence with the United Kingdom Organising Committee for the Transplant Games regarding the event. The Organising Committee concluded it would continue with the Games as planned.

Queensland Government Pandemic H1N1 Situation Report August 4, 2009

September 17, 2009

Townsville HSD reported a youth at Cleveland Detention Centre was displaying influenza like symptoms. The inmate was swabbed, isolated and commenced on Tamiflu, with ten further courses of Tamiflu supplied to the Centre’s nurse. Two further suspected cases have been swabbed, administered Tamiflu and isolated. On Tnesday, 04 Angnst 2009, Townsville HSD reported two positive cases of Pandemic (HlNl) 2009 at the facility.

Queensland Government Pandemic H1N1 Situation Report July 27, 2009

September 15, 2009

This report is based on the most recent and accurate available information at the time of preparation. Given the rapidly changing nature of the incident, readers should be aware of the potential requirement for later confirmation or clarification.

Denver Sheriff Operational Plan Swine Flu Pandemic Incident

August 7, 2009

The Denver Sheriff Department operational mission is to ensure a safe environment for employees, the public and inmates in our custody during this event. Our goals will be to:

* Limit the number of illnesses and deaths within our facilities and community
* Preserve continuity of essential government function
* Minimize fiscal impact on the City and County of Denver

Gaps in Pandemic Planning and Preparedness Need to Be Addressed

July 30, 2009

Leadership roles and responsibilities for an influenza pandemic need to be clarified, tested, and exercised, and existing coordination mechanisms, such as critical infrastructure coordinating councils, could be better utilized to address challenges in coordination between the federal, state, and local governments and the private sector in preparing for a pandemic.

US Code Title 42, § 264, Part G: Quarantine and Inspection

July 11, 2009

The Surgeon General, with the approval of the Secretary, is authorized to make and enforce such regulations as in his judgment are necessary to prevent the introduction, transmission, or spread of communicable diseases from foreign countries into the States or possessions, or from one State or possession into any other State or possession. For purposes of carrying out and enforcing such regulations, the Surgeon General may provide for such inspection, fumigation, disinfection, sanitation, pest extermination, destruction of animals or articles found to be so infected or contaminated as to be sources of dangerous infection to human beings, and other measures, as in his judgment may be necessary.

Executive Order 13375

July 11, 2009

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 361(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264(b)), it is hereby ordered as follows Based upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Surgeon General, and for the purpose set forth in section 1 of Executive Order 13295 of April 4, 2003, section 1 of such order is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection: (c) Influenza caused by novel or reemergent influenza viruses that are causing, or have the potential to cause, a pandemic.

Avian Influenza Pandemic May Expand the Military Role in Disaster Relief

June 6, 2009

Recent involvement by the U.S. military with hurricane relief and comments by the President on expanding the DOD’s role in disaster relief indicates increased missions for an already stretched military. The next national disaster facing the U.S. could be an influenza pandemic. The bird flu virus H5N1 currently threatening Asia and Europe can potentially mutate into a deadly human influenza pandemic with global consequences. The last major flu pandemic in 1918 killed 50 million people worldwide and 600,000 in the U.S. alone. The United States is not prepared for a human pandemic and the military will have a significant role in any national response. While some departmental level planning has been accomplished recently, interdepartmental coordination and clear identification of the lead federal agency is still lacking. This project explains possible effects of a pandemic on the U.S. and current responsibilities of federal departments involved in disaster relief. Analysis is presented on the evolving role the DOD plays should this event become reality and finally recommends preparations that should be accomplished to prepare the nation for this very real threat. An ad-hoc approach to a pandemic will have severe negative and far reaching affects on our nation and must be avoided.