| Press Release |
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| August 21, 2009 |
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Governor addresses state summit on influenza preparedness
Work has already started on plans to prepare for workforce absentee rates that could reach 40 percent
(Salem) - Governor Ted Kulongoski today delivered opening remarks to an overflow crowd at the statewide summit on influenza preparedness at the Salem Conference Center. The purpose of the summit was to share the latest information on pandemic H1N1 influenza and provide guidance on how to prepare for a possible widespread outbreak later this year.
"Preparing today for the possibility of a widespread outbreak will help schools, businesses and state and local governments respond appropriately for whatever challenges the coming flu season may bring," Governor Kulongoski said. "We all need to make sure business continuity and response plans are updated and can adapt and change as we learn more."
Pandemic H1N1 influenza has continued to infect Oregonians over the summer - unlike seasonal flu - and the federal government has advised states to plan for a worst-case scenario that could result in illness and absentee rates as high as 40 percent if there is a widespread outbreak this fall and winter.
Today's summit meeting was the first step in Oregon's statewide preparations, though state and local health departments have been monitoring the virus since the spring. More than 850 participants attended the summit, representing state agencies, local governments, emergency managers, private businesses, health care systems and school administrators from across the state. Many more watched the summit from overflow locations in Salem or live online via streaming video.
Breakout sessions were held for participants to discuss issues specific to school preparedness, health care system capacity, business continuity planning and worker protection, county emergency management, local government operations, emergency medical services, state agency operations and outreach to at-risk populations. Information from the summit, including presentations and guidance, is posted online at http://www.flu.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/acd/flu/summit/index.shtml.
The state's www.flu.oregon.gov website is the best resource for schools, employers and the public to get the latest information on H1N1 influenza and its effect in Oregon.
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
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