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As you undoubtedly have heard, there is a new strain of influenza called the Swine Flu that started about a month ago in

and has claimed over 160 deaths.� The Swine Flu has spread first to the

in a few states such as

,

and

and is now spreading worldwide.�

Earlier today, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the current pandemic influenza response stage from Level 3 to Level 4.� A Level 4 alert stage means that there has been sustained human to human transmission causing outbreaks in at least one country.� It signals a significant increase in the risk of a global pandemic, but doesn't mean a pandemic is inevitable.� With that in mind, we are all probably interested in how we can avoid infection.

�

There are seven things you can do to lessen infection, to protect yourself and your employees:

1.����� Wash hands frequently using soap and water or waterless hand sanitizers

2.����� Cover your cough and sneezes use proper �??cough etiquette,�?� by coughing into the crook of your elbow

3.����� Minimize contact with others.� Crowded places and large gatherings of people should be avoided.

4.����� Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between persons wherever practical

5.����� If you have to be in close contact (less than 6 feet) with people, consider wearing a N95 (NIOSH approved) respirator

6.��Keep the flu out of the workplace!� Don�??t go to work or allow people to come to work if they are possibly sick with the flu

7.� Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouthThe best source for current information on the Swine Flu and recommended responses are at the following two websites:

�

The best source for current information on the Swine Flu and recommended responses are at the following two websites:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/�

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established a new website devoted to the issue of the Swine Flu.� This site permits you to register to receive email

Go to www.pandemicflu.gov to find out the actions the

government recommends to ensure workforce safety and continuous�

�

Art Bernardino

�

ART BERNARDINO has been a court administrator and court manager for 30 years.� Art has been involved in business continuity management, continuity of operations planning and pandemic planning for over 5 years and has created/drafted Pandemic Influenza response plans for the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts, the Maricopa County (Phoenix, Arizona) courts, several county courts in Indiana through the Indiana Division of State Court Administration; and the State Bar of Arizona.� In addition, Art has created/drafted Continuity of Operations Plans for the Superior Court of Delaware; several county courts in Indiana through the Indiana Division of State Court Administration, including Howard, Clark and Allen counties; and the State Bar of Arizona.�

�

After serving as Chair the National Association for Court Management�??s Business Continuity Management subcommittee and as principal author of the "Business Continuity Management Mini Guide," a business continuity management planning guide for courts across the country, Art also prepared other materials available to NACM members, including a generic Continuity of Operations Plan for courts, worksheets and checklists for business continuity and pandemic planning.�

�

A frequent speaker on these topics, Art served as faculty at the 2006 American Judges Association national meeting and the 2006 Court Leadership Conference conducted by the

Supreme Court.� Art provides consulting services in pandemic planning, business continuity and management issues and may be reached at artpandemic@yahoo.com and at (602) 881-2744.

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