Ebola & Business Continuity

As most of our readers know, this is the time when we usually publish our Halloween edition. The current Ebola epidemic, however, is scaring many people and we thought instead it might help to shed some light on this issue and let you know some things you should be considering during this or any health crisis. It is likely an epidemic will not occur in the U.S., but we should know what to do if even a small outbreak happens.

Take some time to review and reflect about the current situation and determine what steps your firm can take to prepare your organization and employees for the potential threats that are growing and spreading around the world. (Item #1)     What should business continuity professionals be doing about Ebola now? (Item #2)     It is time to dust off your pandemic preparedness and response plan in order to prepare your organization for the impact on business operations due to an outbreak of the Ebola virus. (Item #3)    

Some experts recommend doing a business impact analysis to ascertain the possible consequences of a disruption due to an Ebola outbreak. (Item #4)     Ebola may never reach endemic levels in your area, but recognizing the signs, having a strong plan in place, and being health conscious will offer you greater success in the event that it or any other infectious disease heads your way. (Item #5)     Here's a guide for the best sources of information about Ebola or any medical crisis. (Item #6)    

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Preparing for Ebola: A Review of the Outbreak, its Economic Impact, and Business Continuity Considerations

This year's outbreak of Ebola in West Africa is the worst that has ever been recorded. The disease typically occurs in outbreaks in tropical regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. In the short span of a year, the virus, which is affecting Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, has resulted in nearly 3,500 deaths. In this article, we will look at where this outbreak started and the economic impact it has had both in Africa and internationally. We will also highlight the issues that businesses need to consider as this epidemic continues to expand.
http://www.eci.com/blog/15718-preparing-for-ebola-a-review-of-the-outbreak-its-economic-impact-and-business-continuity-considerations.html

2. Ebola -- What Business Continuity Professionals Need to Know

We're by no means downplaying the seriousness of the situation -- Ebola is extremely serious and should be treated as such. However, causing panic isn't going to do anyone any good. Rather, a focus on knowledge building, preparedness, and communication with stakeholders, senior management, and employees should be your top priorities right now.
http://perspectives.avalution.com/2014/ebola-what-business-continuity-professionals-need-to-know/

3. Ebola Virus Workplace Preparedness and Response Best Practices

Acknowledging that Ebola is a very scary illness, your job is not to incite more fear than already exists. Your job is to develop a sound and thoughtful preparedness and response plan to such an outbreak so that the workforce and customers have confidence that you are in control of the workplace impact and that you can continue business operations. Gartner provides the following best practices to all organizations to help them take appropriate actions.
http://blogs.gartner.com/business-continuity/2014/10/17/ebola-virus-preparedness-and-responses-best-practices/

4. Ebola and Business Continuity

Rumors are flying about the likelihood of Ebola spreading throughout the United States, but how do companies separate fact from fiction to continue operating at a normal pace? Businesses should have a plan in place, not just for dealing with a possible Ebola outbreak in the United States, but for the many other ways in which Ebola can impact operations.
http://www.securitymanagement.com/news/ebola-and-business-continuity-0013766

5. Ebola & Business Continuity

Much of the news coverage of the 2014 West African Ebola Outbreak is targeted toward health officials-how to transport patients, how to care for patients, even how to dispose of patients' bodies-along with some superficial guidance on how to reduce personal exposure to the virus. To date, there has been little discussion on what to do in a business setting should an employee, coworker, tenant, or client be suspected of contracting the disease. Here, we have outlined three simple ways to prepare for the unlikely event of Ebola arriving at your company's door.
http://ottawakent.com/ebola-business-continuity/

6. The readers' quick guide for understanding a medical crisis

When there's a medical crisis, there's also a lot of news. Here's a guide on where to go so that you understand the nature and context of that crisis and all that news. This guide is meant for readers but some tips work for journalists, too.
http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/261661/the-readers-quick-guide-for-understanding-a-medical-crisis/