In the event of a widespread outbreak of swine flu expected this autumn is your IT department ready and what are your business planning assumptions? Here are eight top tips to ensuring business continuity.
A human influenza pandemic is considered a certainty - when it happens is uncertain. It is estimated that illness will be highest among school children (about 40%) and decline with age. Among working adults, an average of 20% will become ill during an outbreak. People can transmit infection for up to one day before the onset of illness. Viral shedding and the risk of transmission will be greatest during the first two days. Multiple waves (periods during which outbreaks occur across the country) of illness could occur with each wave lasting two to three months. For businesses, rates of absenteeism will depend on the severity of the pandemic. If severe, absenteeism attributable to illness, the need to care for others, public transportation closures, may reach 40% during the peak of an outbreak.
1. Continuity Planning
Business continuity planning for pandemic influenza is critical, particularly in the IT department, as your organisation will be relying on IT like never before. So identify a pandemic coordinator and/or team with defined roles and responsibilities for preparation and response planning immediately. The planning process should include input from all relevant stakeholders in your business including sub-contractors, outsourced services and the logistic providers needed to maintain business operations by location and function.
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Source: computerweekly.com
By: Michael Pincher
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