May 01, 2020
The pandemic influenza and Novel Viral Respiratory Plan disease threat has the potential to rapidly cause illness in a very large number of people, which could easily overwhelm health systems. A pandemic outbreak could jeopardize essential community services by causing high levels of absenteeism in critical positions in every workforce. Basic services, such as public health, healthcare, law enforcement, fire, emergency response, communications, transportation, and utilities could be disrupted during an influenza pandemic. The pandemic, unlike many other emergency events, could last for several weeks or months with possible waves of illness. This disease threat could occur simultaneously across the United States presenting significant resource challenges including personnel, supplies, and equipment.