| Press Release |
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| July 28, 2009 |
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Governor announces state summit on influenza preparedness
Summit will help to prepare our schools, communities for a possible H1N1 outbreak
(Salem) - Governor Ted Kulongoski today announced that the state will lead a summit on how to prepare for a possible widespread outbreak of novel influenza A (H1N1) later this year.
State agencies, local government officials, emergency managers, private businesses, health care systems and school administrators are encouraged to attend.
As novel H1N1 continues to be found in Oregon over the summer even as seasonal flu declines, officials are preparing for the possibility of a large outbreak in the fall. The flu summit will cover, among other things, how schools, health care systems, employers, and state and local governments can prepare for a large possible outbreak.
Federal health officials are advising that employers could be facing absentee rates as high as 40% if there is a widespread outbreak in the United States.
“Preparing today for the possibility of a large novel H1N1 outbreak in the fall will help us mitigate the impact if it does occur,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Schools, businesses and state and local governments should all be making plans about what to do if they are affected.”
The summit will provide the most up-to-date information on H1N1 and best predictions for the fall, including the latest update about a safe and effective vaccine becoming available. The summit will also cover guidance on school closures, business continuity planning and policies to reduce the spread of the virus.
The summit will be held at the Salem Conference Center on August 21st. Attendees should register at www.flu.oregon.gov. This Web site will remain to be the best place for the public to get the latest information on H1N1 and its effect in Oregon.
In the meantime, state officials continue to urge Oregonians to take common sense precautions to protect themselves and others. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners and stay home when ill.
Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
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