At a recent lecture at one of Jamaica's leading universities, it was highlighted that 30 per cent of the class was not in attendance as a result of chikungunya. The virus has increased its ratings on the popularity polls so much so that I need not give an introduction, or provide yet another prevention and treatment article.
Jamaica is not alone, we are all grappling with this virus on the international stage. On October 1, 2014, the Honduran Government declared a state of emergency in certain high risk sections of the country. Similarly, the Government of El Salvador declared a state of emergency in June 2014. It is not my intent to create an alarm, but rather to publicly declare the urgency of the matter. "Limiting the spread of a disease at the population level requires changing individual behaviour, which in turn depends on what information individuals have about the level of risk. When risk is low, people will tend to ignore it. However, if the risk of infection is higher, individuals are more likely to take preventive action." (Peltzman 1975)
We cannot overemphasise the significant economic negatives that have occurred as a result of many hours lost. As a humble public servant of this great nation, I submit that we must use this experience to fully implement crisis management and business continuity plans in the workplace, with particular focus on the largest employer: Government.
Among key points of consideration are:
* to review and test business continuity plans; alternate suppliers, third party services, cross-training, etc
* Establish/update protocols with key agencies; Ministry of Health, public safety agencies.
* Maintain needed supplies; Panadol, Cetamol, first aid, etc
* Identify a rapid response team within your organisation.
* Create a framework for communication to all stakeholders.
* Incentivise proper health and risk prevention.
Our current situation cannot be managed in a vacuum. There is no time to point fingers and be dependent on any one ministry. What is of importance, is that there be cooperation, collaboration and a focused approach to ensure a safe environment for all.
Richard Longmore
University of London
rlongmore@jrc.gov.jm
Put work systems in place for chik-V, etc
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Jamaica is not alone, we are all grappling with this virus on the international stage. On October 1, 2014, the Honduran Government declared a state of emergency in certain high risk sections of the country. Similarly, the Government of El Salvador declared a state of emergency in June 2014. It is not my intent to create an alarm, but rather to publicly declare the urgency of the matter. "Limiting the spread of a disease at the population level requires changing individual behaviour, which in turn depends on what information individuals have about the level of risk. When risk is low, people will tend to ignore it. However, if the risk of infection is higher, individuals are more likely to take preventive action." (Peltzman 1975)
We cannot overemphasise the significant economic negatives that have occurred as a result of many hours lost. As a humble public servant of this great nation, I submit that we must use this experience to fully implement crisis management and business continuity plans in the workplace, with particular focus on the largest employer: Government.
Among key points of consideration are:
* to review and test business continuity plans; alternate suppliers, third party services, cross-training, etc
* Establish/update protocols with key agencies; Ministry of Health, public safety agencies.
* Maintain needed supplies; Panadol, Cetamol, first aid, etc
* Identify a rapid response team within your organisation.
* Create a framework for communication to all stakeholders.
* Incentivise proper health and risk prevention.
Our current situation cannot be managed in a vacuum. There is no time to point fingers and be dependent on any one ministry. What is of importance, is that there be cooperation, collaboration and a focused approach to ensure a safe environment for all.
Richard Longmore
University of London
rlongmore@jrc.gov.jm
Put work systems in place for chik-V, etc
-->