HomeBlogPreparing for a Pandemic Preparing for a Pandemic What is a pandemic? A pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that becomes very widespread across the human population and affects a whole region, continent or the world. By nature, pandemics are unpredictable in when they will occur or how severe they will be. An influenza pandemic is the most probable event to affect New Zealand. However, in January 2020, Chinese authorities have confirmed a new type of virus known as Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This virus affects the respiratory system, where symptoms are similar to other diseases such as influenza. Updates on the virus can be found here. What is New Zealand’s response plan to a pandemic? The Ministry of Health have developed a document titled New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Plan: A framework for action (NZIPAP). The action plan outlines a coordinated strategy to deal with outbreaks of infectious diseases. The 6 core phases of the strategy are: Plan for it/PreparednessKeep it out/Border ManagementStamp it out/Cluster ControlManage it/Pandemic ManagementManage it: Post-Peak/Planning for a ResurgenceRecover from it/Recovery For further information on the MOH’s Pandemic Plan, click here. What can we do to decrease the spread of infectious diseases? Below are some steps we can follow to help contain the spread of infectious diseases and minimise the impact at home, school, or in the workplace: Immunise against infectious diseasesWash and dry your hands regularly and wellStay at home if you are sickCover coughs and sneezesClean surfaces regularlyPrepare food safely The Ministry of Health website provides a range of useful resources to help with pandemic planning and preparation, which can be found here. You can also find the latest updates regarding disease outbreaks in New Zealand on their site. Working Wise offers workplace flu vaccinations from April to June to protect staff against influenza. To make a booking click here, or give us a call on 04 499 0710 for more information. Up next Sign up to our newsletter Sign up to our newsletter First Name * Last Name * Company * Email * reCAPTCHA Sign Up If you are human, leave this field blank. We have worked with How can we help? Send Us An Email Contact Us First Name * Last Name Email Phone Company * Message reCAPTCHA SEND If you are human, leave this field blank. Call Us To Make a booking with us 04 499 0710 Visit Us Working Wise Office Suites Level 2, 24 Johnston Street Wellington, 6011