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You will be aware that the numbers of Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) cases in New Zealand are increasing. The Ministry of Health advises that this trend is likely to continue over the coming weeks and months.
Obviously, a pandemic of this kind or any similar type of crisis will affect your business, your staff and customers. Just how much you are affected will depend on the severity of the crisis and how well prepared you are.

Planning to see your business through a pandemic is important. This can be done by planning the steps your business will take before, during and after a pandemic. There is no one, single response you can plan for. You and your staff need to respond flexibly depending on the situation. Keeping your plan updated will also be useful in the event of another type of crisis occurring.

Information on the Department of Labour website that could help you with your planning includes:

• Commonly asked Questions and Answers for employers about potential employment issues that could arise during a pandemic.

• Information to assist with business continuity planning.

• Workplace health and safety guidance, including infection control advice relevant to the workplace.

• Advice on the use of personal protective equipment in the workplace.

• Practical scenarios that illustrate the different measures businesses can take to protect themselves.

Keep informed of developments and update your plans, and your employees accordingly. In addition to the existing business networks and organisations you belong to, the Department of Labour, Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry of Health websites provide ongoing sources of information on the implications of a pandemic for workplaces, businesses, and public health.