FRANCAIS

June 02, 2006

The Manitoba government today released guidelines to help Manitoba businesses prepare for a pandemic influenza.

"A pandemic will not just affect the health-care system but all areas of our society including businesses," said Health Minister Tim Sale. "While there is currently no pandemic influenza in the world, it’s important for businesses of all sizes to have plans in place to make sure they are able to respond in a pandemic or any other type of emergency situation."

The document includes general information to help businesses understand the possible effects of a pandemic. It also provides guidelines to help companies develop a planning team and create a comprehensive emergency plan for their organization.

"Many businesses, especially small- and medium-sized businesses, can experience serious productivity and financial difficulties in emergency situations," said Industry, Economic Development and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau. "By following these guidelines and developing an emergency plan, businesses will be better prepared to respond to a pandemic or other urgent situation and still be able to provide the services needed by Manitobans."

In the coming months, the province will also be hosting seminars around the province to help businesses better understand the risk of a pandemic and begin writing their emergency plans.

Manitoba Health has also created a provincial pandemic influenza plan, pandemic influenza information for the public and planning guidelines for local governments. Planning guidelines for schools and day cares to prepare for a pandemic influenza are in development.

Manitoba’s emergency preparedness is based on an all-hazards approach and remains a priority for the Manitoba government, said Sale. Manitoba continues to work at provincial and national levels to prepare for a possible pandemic influenza.

Copies of the business planning guidelines are available on the Internet at http://www.gov.mb.ca/pandemic or by calling 1-204-945-1444.

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