Every year in the
United States, on average:
5% to 20% of the population
gets the flu
Because of the potential threat of a global avian influenza human pandemic, USDA has been examining precautionary measures that could be practiced to ensure that the USDA workplace--both at field offices around the country and at headquarters--remains a healthy environment in which to work. In the event that a human pandemic strikes the United States, USDA employees may face many challenges.
The ability to get to work will be difficult or even impossible. Transportation services such as the metro and buses may be disrupted. Employees should think about alternative means of getting to work.
Infection control measures, such as social distancing, mask use, and hand hygiene may be put into place at the workplace. USDA has studied the size of its current stockpile of soap, paper towels, antiseptic wipes and gels and cleaning supplies in USDA
office bathrooms at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. and ordered three month supplies.
Social Distancing – Infection control strategies that reduce the duration, frequency, or intimacy of social contacts in order to limit the transmission of influenza. Social distancing may include, for example, increased use of telework, placing employees on shifts, use of face masks, closing offices or buildings, and canceling of large gatherings. USDA plans and policies will embrace “social distancing” techniques as a key component of its business continuity planning and to limit the spread of infection. USDA will take steps to achieve social distancing without employees having to incur any additional charge to their leave balances. Employees who have symptoms or who have family members with symptoms may be instructed to remain home on administrative leave for a specified amount of time.
USDA is examining current contracts in the area of janitorial cleaning services, food services, and maintenance, with an eye to developing contingencies in case those service providers are severely impacted by a global pandemic, in the event that avian influenza develops into a human pandemic flu.
The Office of Emergency Programs will use a variety of communication tools to keep employees informed:
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