CGA Alert is a publication of the California Grocers Association
April 29, 2009

SWINE FLU UPDATE

According to the CDC the outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation's first fatality from this outbreak have occurred. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.



CURRENT SITUATION

The World Health Organization has raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5 recommending that countries immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities. This change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other ministries, to the pharmaceutical industry and the business community that certain actions should now be undertaken with increased urgency. It is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short. Click here for specific information on the WHO pandemic phases.

USDA stated that no U.S. swine have been infected and that pork and pork products are safe to eat. USDA asks that pig owners monitor the heath of their animals and work with their veterinarians to aid containment efforts.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, (who are responsible for advanced development, acquisition, and manufacturing infrastructure of medical countermeasures for Public Health Emergencies), is in contact with vaccine and antiviral drug manufacturers in order to ascertain manufacturing surge capabilities and are actively taking part in vaccine development.

Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) is pre-positioning resources for every duty station (protective mask, meals ready to eat (MREs), medications, and fuel). CBP sites and facilities are implementing passive surveillance procedures for the arrival and processing of persons and cargo entering the United States.

The WHO says it could take 4-6 months for a vaccine to be developed.

President Obama asks for $1.5 Billion to flight flu. This will be used for antivirals, vaccine development, disease monitoring and assisting international efforts.

The FDA issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for masks, antiviral medications and Flu testing kits. For more information please see: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/eua/
This has the following effect:
  • The use of N-95 masks in occupational and non-occupational settings is permitted without fit testing and training
  • Expanded use of antiviral medications without the usual labeling requirements, the use in children less than 1 year of age and the use of medication that has its expiration date extended
  • The use of flu testing kits that have not been officially FDA approved.
There are restrictions and other details on these EUA's so be sure to go to the website for further information if these items are part of your company's plan.



SCHOOL CLOSURES

Officially reported California school closures include: Highlands Elementary School in Pittsburg, Branham High School in San Jose and St. Mel's Catholic School in Fair Oaks (Sacramento County).



DECLARATIONS AND PROCLAIMATIONS

  • Local: Los Angeles County proclaimed a Local Emergency on 4/28/09.
  • State: Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed a State of Emergency on 4/28/09 to support and coordinate the state health department's response. The entire proclamation can be viewed at the following link: http://gov.ca.gov/proclamation/12148/
  • Federal: A public health emergency was declared by the US Department of Health and Human Services on Sunday, 4/26/09.


CONSUMER INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

A section has been created on the CGA website where consumers can be directed for the latest information on the swine flu outbreak and actions they can take to stay healthy. Please direct consumers to www.cagrocers.com for further information.



RETAIL SUPPLY CONCERNS - ONGOING REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

The California Emergency Management Agency has requested that the industry monitor any shortages of key retail items related to the flu outbreak such as masks, hand sanitizer, antibacterial cleaners, bleach, etc. Currently, a few stores are reporting shortages of items while others have no shortages at this time. Please take a moment to report any supply issues to Jill Rulon, CGA to help coordinate with the State as the situation continues to expand.



TIPS FOR RETAIL GROCERS

Click here for a list of considerations for retail grocers in responding to the current flu outbreak.



EXPERT CONSULTANTS

There are many expert consultants available to assist your company in planning and responding to influenza outbreaks. If you have other recommendations, please take a moment to send them to Jill Rulon, CGA.

Regina Phelps
EMS Emergency Management & Safety Solutions
President
415-643-4300
415-285-2659
regina@ems-solutionsinc.com
260 Whitney Street
San Francisco, CA 94131
www.ems-solutionsinc.com

Stuart Weiss, MD, CBCP
MedPrep Consulting Group LLC
212-875-8888
160 West 71st Street, Suite 8E
New York, NY 10023
www.medprepgroup.com

Doug Nelson
Business Continuity Solutions
925-377-1480
doug@bc-solutionsinc.com
dnelson@continuity-partners.com
Moraga, CA 94556



SWINE FLU MAP

Google has created a 2009 Swine Flu (H1N1) Outbreak world map and United States map. Click here for further information.



STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

CGA has compiled a contact list of state and local health department and emergency contacts. Click here for a complete listing.



STATE, REGIONAL ANDLOCAL OPERATIONS CENTER ACTIVATIONS

The following operations centers are activated:

State Operations Center (SOC) and Coastal, Inland and Southern Region Emergency Operations Centers (REOCs)
Joint Emergency Operation Center staffed by representatives from CDPH, Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) & the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
CDPH Richmond Campus Coordination Center (RCCC)

Inland Region EOC activations include:
  1. El Dorado OA EOC
  2. Placer OA EOC
  3. Stanislaus OA EOC
  4. Merced OA EOC
  5. Amador County Public Health DOC
  6. Butte County Public Health DOC
  7. Fresno County Public Health DOC
  8. Kern County Public Health DOC
  9. Mariposa County Public Health DOC
  10. Merced County Public Health DOC
  11. Modoc County Public Health DOC
  12. Nevada County Public Health DOC
  13. Plumas County Public Health DOC
  14. Sacramento County Public Health DOC
  15. San Joaquin County Public Health DOC
  16. Shasta County Public Health DOC
  17. Sierra County Public Health DOC
  18. Stanislaus County Public Health DOC
  19. Sutter County Public Health DOC
  20. Yolo County Public Health DOC


Coastal Region EOC activations include:
  1. Alameda OA EOC
  2. Monterey OA EOC
  3. Napa OA EOC
  4. Alameda County Public Health DOC
    • City of Berkeley Public Health DOC
  5. Contra Costa County Public Health DOC
  6. Marin County Public Health DOC
  7. San Mateo County Public Health DOC
  8. San Benito County Public Health DOC
  9. San Francisco County Public Health DOC
  10. Santa Clara County Public Health DOC
  11. Santa Cruz Public Health DOC
  12. Sonoma County Public Health DOC

Southern Region EOC activations include:
  1. Imperial Operational Area EOC
  2. Los Angeles County Public Health DOC
    • City of Pasadena Public Health DOC
    • City of Long Beach Public Health DOC
  3. Mono County Public Health DOC
  4. Orange County Public Health DOC
  5. Riverside County Public Health DOC
  6. San Bernardino County Public Health DOC
  7. San Diego County Public Health DOC
  8. Ventura County Public Health DOC



CGA CONTACT INFORMATION

The California Grocers Association is monitoring the current swine flu situation and will continue to provide daily updates. For further information, please visit www.cagrocers.com. If you have questions, email Jill Rulon, CGA, or call (916) 448-3545.