June 20, 2006
SUBJECT: Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan – Information Only
REPORT IN BRIEF
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Center for Disease Control (CDC) are predicting a worldwide influenza pandemic will occur in the 21st Century. Furthermore, health officials from both organizations believe that the current Avian Flu Virus that has been found in bird populations on several continents is likely to evolve and gain the ability to pass from human to human. Health officials believe this could result in a pandemic influenza outbreak that could last from months to years.
The purpose of this report is to provide a framework that will allow the Council and the community to understand the roles and responsibilities of the City and the County related to Pandemic Planning and Response.
BACKGROUND
At the November 1, 2005 City Council Meeting, Councilmember Lee asked that staff provide Council with an update on Santa Clara County efforts related to pandemic planning. Staff advised Council, by memo, that County planning efforts were just beginning and that staff would provide periodic updates to Council as plans developed.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCCPHD) published a draft “Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan” in March 2006 that is currently under review. Staff has taken the opportunity to review the draft plan and to provide comment to the County Public Health Officer. Additionally, Public Safety has begun planning for City preparedness, response, and management, should a pandemic influenza occur.
EXISTING POLICY
Seismic Safety Sub-Element
Policy B3- Emergency Planning and Coordination - Provide an integrated approach to planning and preparedness for emergencies and disasters.
Action Statement B.3.4- Coordinate planning and training with other agencies and jurisdictions to provide an effective and coordinated response to any emergency/disaster.
Policy B6- Provide the citizens of Sunnyvale information, encouragement and assistance with emergency planning and preparedness.
Action Statement B.6.1- Provide citizens with information on self-help during and after a disaster.
Action Statement B.6.2- Provide speakers for emergency preparedness talks to interested citizens and community groups.
DISCUSSION
The WHO and CDC recommend regional and local officials develop preparedness and response plans for a pandemic influenza. The SCCPHD was the first local government entity to develop such a plan. The plan, although in draft form, clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of the county and cities within the County. The roles and responsibilities are discussed below.
County Roles and Responsibilities
The County government will play a leadership role in the pandemic influenza response as part of its County Office of Emergency Services (OES), which will provide and coordinate logistical support in coordination with cities. In addition, County government will be involved in monitoring the state of the pandemic and supporting the Public Health Officer in establishing necessary social distancing measures. The County will develop a plan that addresses roads, air travel, and provision of critical County services, such as social services, health services and jail services. The County will need to take steps to limit the spread of flu within its workplace (i.e., “no work while sick” and personal hygiene practices); and cooperate with SCCPHD to provide resources for the pandemic flu response (e.g., vacant space for Influenza Care Centers, critical services provision, staffing, equipment, etc.). Finally, all County employees may be called upon to serve as Disaster Service Workers during the pandemic.
The SCCPHD is charged with mobilizing partners in the county to prepare for and respond to pandemic influenza. To this end, the SCCPHD will:
1. Facilitate countywide pandemic planning and preparedness efforts.
2. Coordinate the community’s emergency public health response through the CDC’s Director’s Emergency Operations Center.
3. Educate the public and health care, response partners, businesses, community-based organizations and elected leaders about influenza and preventative measures.
4. Conduct county-wide surveillance to track the spread of the disease and its impact on the community.
5. Propose a declaration of Health Emergency when appropriate.
6. Implement disease containment strategies and authorities, such as social distancing.
7. Guide the health care system’s planning and response efforts for medical surge capacity including mass casualty and mass fatality incidents.
8. Direct mass vaccination efforts. Plan for antiviral dispensing.
9. Provide effective communications to the public, the media, elected officials, health care providers, law enforcement, first responders, and business and community leaders throughout public health emergencies.
10. Monitor and report on the state of readiness of critical partners (e.g., cities, schools, businesses as well as local, state and federal governments).
City Roles and Responsibilities
If a pandemic strikes, the City will take a proactive role in developing and delivering a community education campaign in cooperation with SCCPHD. Public Safety staff will take a lead role in preparing for a potential pandemic, by developing a plan for continuity of government operations, and identifying resources available should a pandemic occur. The City will provide resources for the pandemic flu response as requested by the SCCPHD, including opening influenza care centers, providing law enforcement security, and triaging calls for assistance according to County protocols. The City will also maintain responsibility for planning and supporting community education programs aimed at reducing the spread of influenza and managing community expectations related to how the City responds to and manages a pandemic influenza.
FISCAL IMPACT
Unknown at this time.
Conclusion
Staff believes that, based on information from the WHO, the CDC, and the SCCPHD, the City needs to engage in influenza pandemic planning and preparedness efforts as a city and as a partner with the County. By clearly defining roles and responsibilities of the County and the City, Council and the community can be best prepared, should an influenza pandemic occur.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the city's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the city's web page, publication of the Council agenda in the San Jose Mercury News, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office.
Reviewed by:
Don Johnson, Director, Public Safety
Prepared by: Don Johnson, Director, Public Safety
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager