Janice R. Andrews
The people of Canada are being cautioned by the government to get ready for a possible new virus that may bring much more havoc than COVID-19. Released in June, the Center for Occupational Health and Safety’s Flu and Infectious Disease Outbreaks Business Continuity Plan Handbook modified its approach by include a section on the potential effects of a “hypothetical virus.”
Employers may get comprehensive advice on how to get ready for the possibility of another pandemic from this recently revised handbook. It draws attention to the possibility that the hypothetical virus might cause significant disruptions in industries like gasoline and food, ones that could be worse than those brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the guidance, “There may be a higher average number of illnesses and deaths in age groups different than what we typically see during annual flu seasons, based on trends from past pandemic flu.” It highlights that, in contrast to other flu epidemics, a future pandemic may impact various populations, making it more difficult to identify those who would be most at risk.
Reading for Fresh Disruptive Waves
Employers are also cautioned in the Canadian government manual to be ready for the prospect of major interruptions to their personnel. The question is, “How many people will be off work if there is a pandemic? It is not feasible to make a definitive determination. It is recommended that employers prepare for variable absenteeism rates, which are contingent on the virus’s intensity, its rate of transmission, and the number of individuals who may choose to skip work.
The report also states that pandemics in the future are probably going to happen in waves, with two or three epidemics happening over several months. These waves may occur three to nine months apart and extend for two years, which might have long-term effects on the labor market, the economy, and daily life.
Vital Services in jeopardy
The main areas that have been identified as potentially disrupted include banking, water supply, food, medication, and telecommunications. The handbook advises Canadians to be ready for labor shortages, disruptions in the supply chain, and changes in consumer demand.
Public health experts are once again advising vigilance against infectious illnesses, and this warning counsel comes at a critical moment. Due to a recent spike of COVID-19 cases in the US, Dr. Anthony Fauci has advised elders and those with comorbidities to think about using masks in crowded areas.
Gazing Forward
The possibility of novel viral mutations that might elude the protection provided by existing vaccinations has also drawn the attention of the World Health Organization. Even while COVID-19-related hospital admissions and fatalities are still at all-time lows, scientists caution that continued watchfulness is necessary to stop pandemics in the future from causing significant disruption.
Residents are urged to remain aware and prepared for any potential public health crisis as the Canadian government gets ready for the unexpected.
