Pandemic Flu Prep Goes Public

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Disease and public safety specialists have completed a plan that will help Utah prepare for the unthinkable - a flu pandemic that could wipe out entire communities. Governor Jon Huntsman Junior told members of his Task Force for Pandemic Preparedness today that he can think of few things more important than preparing for a pandemic:

"Nobody knows when it's going to hit," says Huntsman. "All we can do is prepare and ensure that we're ready to protect life and preparing for the inevitable economic and societal fall out that will occur."

Huntsman created the pandemic preparedness task force last fall and will now appoint an advisory committee to implement the group's recommendations. They include spending more money to stockpile antiviral medications and canceling school and big events like Jazz Games in the early stages of a serious pandemic. Department of Health Director Doctor David Sundwall says the next step is educating the public with an ad campaign this fall.

"Not just to scare them, but yeah to scare them a little bit too," says Dr. Sundwall. "We need them to be alert and aware of the possibility of a negative impact from such a deadly virus."

The task force report also suggests Utah lawmakers look at ways to limit liability to doctors and hospitals during emergencies. Sundwall says the Department of Health will also need power to prohibit the public from gathering in groups during a pandemic. The entire plan will be taken out to public hearings later this summer, and will likely entail further funding requests when lawmakers convene next year.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW