Preparations made in case of avian flu pandemic

UNCG is making preparations in case of flu pandemic. The focus is on the influenza A virus, more commonly known as the avian flu. This virus is most common in poultry, but can also be spread to humans.

The universities in the University of North Carolina system are taking part in a tabletop exercise this upcoming week to test the effectiveness of the plan.

Planning began in June 2006 when the General Administration required that 16 campus teams attend a meeting concerning the potential outbreak. They believe that the question is not if a flu pandemic will occur, but when, and how we are to deal with the situation.

"There are six stages to the pandemic," said Dr. Cheryl Callahan, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "And as of right now we are in stage three, which means there are some cases in humans, but that it is rarely spread from human to human, and only from close contact."

Last fall, 14 subcommittees at UNCG began working on the university's plan in case of pandemic in the surrounding area. It consists of five stages, going from hand-washing campaigns to the closing of the campus. The last stage is closing the university, which will not happen until phase six pandemic arises.

"The first things that will be cancelled are large public gatherings," says Dr. Callahan.

The university already has an approved Social Distancing Policy in place that will regulate the events that take place during certain stages of the pandemic.

Many complications come with the threat of pandemic; first, according to Dr. Callahan, mainstream travel will cease. Planes will not be flying once the virus crosses the continents.

Then there is the problem of the students, especially those who are international, getting home. For those that can not return to their homes there will be issues regarding food and technology.

There will also be practical problems, such as that of how and if classes can continue online. If that is not possible, there is also the issue of refunds, which is being considered in the plan for the worst-case scenarios.

The university will also have to decide on mandatory staff, who will be required to stay on campus even during the worst parts of outbreak.

While to many this sounds like a zombie movie, this is not fiction.

"We don't want to scare students," explained Dr. Callahan. "We want to make sure that they know we are doing everything to make sure that when this happens, it goes smoothly. We want them to know we are doing all the work for them."

Dr. Callahan says that the best way to prevent the spread of any virus is to wash your hands. The Wellness Center has been doing hand-washing campaigns for years, and they say they hope that if people learn to do this simple thing correctly, the outcome will assist in keeping UNCG a healthy campus.

In addition to the plan that is being tested, there is also a program in the computer system that will send a message to computers alerting students and staff to the phase of pandemic when it changes. The current phase is displayed on the university's website, and it will be updated if any changes occur.