Dear CDPC members,

With the number of cases of H1N1 flu on the rise, there is the possibility that University operations could be impacted.  Most of you have completed a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) for your department.  Now is the time to take a fresh look at it and ensure that your department or group is prepared to face the possibility of extensive absences, unavailability of some supplies and services, and other potential impacts from this flu epidemic. 
 No matter how far along your departmental COOP is as of today, please consider the following:

   * What essential services are you providing within or outside the
     University?
   * What operations within your department are crucial in order to
     remain functional?
   * What operations could be suspended?
   * What operations could be done from home?
   * Do the individuals who will perform this work have the access they
     need?
   * How will they back up the work they do on home computers, etc?
   * Do you have a mechanism in place to communicate with individuals
     in the department, even from home?
   * If your regular vendors cannot fulfill their obligations, do you
     have back-up plans?
   * For your critical operations:
         o Who has the knowledge, authority and access to carry them out?
         o If the primary person(s) is not available for several days,
           who is the backup?
         o Is there sufficient documentation to allow someone not
           thoroughly trained to perform the operation?
   * Do you have a clear leadership succession in place that takes into
     consideration the critical operations?

Please review your COOP, consider the questions posed above and communicate expectations and plans with the appropriate people in your department or group.  If you have questions, please contact me.  Please also remind your staff not to come to work if they are sick, especially if they are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, body aches and cough.
There is more information about the current flu situation and a template for Continuity of Operations Planning on the Safety website at safety.nmsu.edu

Thank you for continuing your preparedness efforts,
Katrina