H1N1 Flu-Tuesday 5-5-09 Cinco de Mayo Update

Good news to report today.
The State Conference Call this afternoon reported a significant update relative to continuing study of the H1N1 outbreak in the US. The disease continues to demonstrate mild effects. The CDC today modified their recommended school closure guidelines. The TX DSHS, in conversation with TEA, is now modifying the Texas response to H1N1. Still subject to local jurisdictional decisions, the net result appears that schools will cease plans to close, and closed schools will begin reopening shortly.

To review, over 56 school districts and 12 charter schools in Texas have been affected which has resulted in schools and districts closing their campuses as a precautionary measure. These closings have impacted 473,000 students. No schools in Bexar County have closed.

As always, go to the websites for up-to-date information:
US CDC: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
State of Texas- http://www.texasflu.org/
State DSHS: www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu
Texas Education Agency: www.tea.state.tx.us/swineflu/
UIL Website: www.uil.utexas.edu/

San Antonio Metro-Health/RMOC remain activated at the EOC.
We stress that generally, results of this disease are mild, but not over. It is still important that sick students and sick teachers/employees stay home. Good Hygiene remains one of our most important prevention tools. Shared information another.

Our CDC H1N1 flu lab-confirmed cases graph is below:

We are thankful for each of you and today’s good news.
Harvey H. Howell, President, SAVOAD

Flu H1N1 Update-Mon 5-4-09

Greetings,
For latest information on the continuing very fluid situation with H1N1 flu, go to the new website: http://www.texasflu.org/

The weekly EOC briefing this morning was brief, due to RMOC/Metro-Health (SAMHD) activity in the Operations room.
San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemiology Team continue supporting Department of State Health Services Region 8 (DSHS) in the investigation and containment of the H1N1outbreak in Bexar County. Current SAMHD data reflects 2 isolated Bexar County confirmed cases.

There are no restrictions on limiting or cancelling public or social events in Bexar County at this time. Worship services should continue as usual. If you are sick or exhibiting flu like symptoms stay home and avoid public gatherings. The public is encouraged to practice good health habits. Encourage hand washing, avoid people who are sick.

The CDC is reporting 41 confirmed cases in Texas today. The attached graph shows the Texas and total U.S. CDC lab-confirmed cases from April 27 through this morning.

Over the weekend, Dan Kinsey, EMC for Guadalupe County affirmed “This event is different from a major storm/hurricane event in that we are working with all churches, all schools and are seeing this as a great opportunity to expand the VOAD.”

Cass County also reported sharing information was the most important tool to the State of Texas mission of Protect and Prevent, and was posting printed H1N1 fliers “…from Courthouse to outhouse”; a humorous, but useful reminder to thoroughness.

The key websites are US CDC: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
State DSHS: www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu
Texas Education Agency: www.tea.state.tx.us/swineflu/

Today’s State Conference Call advised that the CDC will soon begin reporting figures as Confirmed and Probable Cases, resulting in a significant increase in cases. As this happens, WHO will likely elevate to status “6” which is Pandemic (up from current Category “5” status which is Pandemic Alert). “Based on current information, this disease looks like classic flu.”

Vulnerable populations are the young, (<5), elderly, pregnant, and immune-system challenged.

We remain cautious and vigilant, and urge our VOAD members/partners stay rested and informed.

Harvey H. Howell, President, SAVOAD

H1N1 Flu Update-Friday PM

This is the afternoon update after receiving the San Antonio Metro-Health Noon Report.

Today’s San Antonio Metro-Health report advises: “There are no restrictions on limiting or cancelling public or social events in Bexar County at this time. Worship services should continue as usual. If you are sick or exhibiting flu like symptoms stay home and avoid public gatherings. The public is encouraged to practice good health habits. Encourage hand washing, avoid people who are sick.”

Metro Health continuous vigorous monitoring and data collection. They are seeing NO increased absentee figures, and Sentinel Sites activity is normal.

The RMOC is activated at the COSA EOC in support of local efforts and for coordination with Regional, State, and CDC activities.

Harvey H. Howell, President, SAVOAD

Guidance to Congregations on the H1N1 Flu Outbreak

As the media generates interest in the current outbreak of H1N1 flu originating in Mexico, Presbyteries and Congregations have an opportunity for a ‘teachable moment’ about how to prepare for and respond to widespread contagious diseases.
There are two distinct sets of concerns as congregations begin to plan how to respond the present situation: what can and should be done now and what may be necessary later.
What to do NOW:
Create a TASK FORCE to coordinate the response of the church both within the congregation and in the community. Within this group ONE PERSON should be named the Information Contact for all messages related to the response.
Take common sense precautions to slow or even prevent the spread of the flu within the congregation by:
Asking those who are ill to stay at home rather than attending worship, committee meetings or any other church functions. Provide alternative spiritual care for those who are unable to attend such meetings as a result of these precautions.
· Depending on the availability of space, worshippers may be seated in alternating rows to provide for the recommended 3’ social distance between persons during the outbreak.
· Have face masks available in the sanctuary for those who might want them.
· Train ushers to assist those who may be affected. Having tissues, small bottles of sanitizer and masks can help.
· Have hand sanitizer in the restrooms for use after hand washing.
· Increase the diligence with which kitchens, restrooms and classrooms are cleaned. Use disinfectant spray on all surfaces including door handles. Children’s toys in Sunday School classes and day care facilities should be cleaned after each class. Churches can premix their own sanitizing cleaner with a 1:10 ratio of household bleach to water (one part bleach to ten parts water) or use Clorox surface spray with bleach.
· Turn off and mark all water fountains as not to be used.
· Increase the supervision of small children in their hygiene habits in day care programs and Sunday School.
· Consider changing communion practices to limit the possibility of transmitting the virus. i.e. intinction rather than a common passed plate and cups. Those preparing elements should use gloves and masks. Elements should remain covered until used and served by those wearing masks and gloves. Communicants can be brought forward by rows.
· Develop a list of those from the congregation and the community may have special needs in the event of a medical emergency and how the church can be involved in their support.
· Local hospital and health care agencies may be able to train members of the congregation ahead of time in providing palliative care and using infectious disease precautions when in the home of affected members.
· ALL of those providing ongoing pastoral and spiritual care in homes during the outbreak should be REQUIRED to have infectious disease precaution training NOW.
· Ensure that all those handling food (for any church functions including Meals on Wheels, Food Pantry or in-house food service) follow closely enhanced precautions for safe food handling including the use of gloves, masks and hair coverings.
Provide educational resources in simple easily understood form.
· Have a bulletin insert on best health practices including ‘social distancing’ so that people are not offended by the lack of hugs or shaking hands. Rather than hugging or shaking hands during the Passing of the Peace, worshippers can simply smile and say the words.
· Make signs to go up around the church to remind people to wash their hands with soap and water frequently. This could be a Sunday School project that would have the dual function of teaching children important hygiene practices and remind the congregation how to wash their hands.
· Have information about care for someone with the flu in the languages of the congregation and the community. These quick handouts could have the church information including what services may be available to help with home care. Translations could be done by foreign language students in the congregation.
· Order copies of “Light Our Way, A Guide to the Provision of Spiritual Care in times of Disaster” from PDA. Provide copies to: staff, church leadership and all those who may be engaged in spiritual and pastoral care.
Gather leadership to plan what to do NEXT:
Plan for Ministry Continuation:
In a Stage 6 Pandemic the methodology for containing the spread of the disease is to require social isolation of the infected people and reduce the opportunities for social contacts among the non-affected. Factories could be closed; schools and day care centers would be closed. Travel will be restricted. Many governmental planners already assume that Churches will be the principle provider of palliate care and food distribution. There will be differing responses depending on the state response plan and the perceived severity of the outbreak.
If the outbreak moves to a Stage 6 Pandemic (we are at Stage 4 as of Apr 27, 2009, please monitor the CDC web site for current status: www.cdc.gov/swineflu), state and local authorities may initiate mandatory closures of public events and gatherings. This would impact churches directly if worship and other meetings such as committees and Session are prohibited.
In advance of this declaration, the Church should provide for a means of governance and decision making that takes into account the inability to meet face to face. Conference calls might be used to conduct Session business, though the actions would need to be confirmed at the next regular meeting following the lifting of restrictions. Congregations, and Presbyteries, can write specific guidelines in their standing rules concerning electronic meetings. In 2004, the GA considered a question from the ACC about email voting, and their reflections provide a good context for thinking through any of these issues. Reference – 2004 GA, item 4-14 or get a copy at: http://index.pcusa.org/NXT/gateway.dll?fn=default.htm$f=templates$vid=GA216:10.1048/Enu$3.0
In order to know what your local plan will be it is important to connect NOW with local emergency management systems either through the Emergency Operations Center or the local organization that responds in disaster. Many communities have a coordinating group called a VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) or a disaster committee that is part of the American Red Cross. Someone from the congregation should register with at least one of these groups as a point of contact for the church. Clergy and other staff should consider taking Red Cross training and register with the Red Cross. Knowing what the community plan is ahead of time will make it possible for the church leadership to effectively address issues and problems with less frustration.
v What you can do now to prepare for that eventuality is develop a means for worship when the congregation cannot gather. Here are some options:
· Contact local radio stations to find out what might be involved in either live remote feeds or taped worship.
· Talk to the local Cable TV network and find out if they are willing to broadcast videotape of worship services, church messages and other events.
· Find out from your computer internet service provider about providing podcasts and live internet feeds of worship, Sunday School classes and other events. While the initial investment may be costly, in the long term this could open up a whole new ministry of the church to those unable to attend at a very reasonable continuing cost. Consider using other web based conferencing video and audio services such as skype.com or gotomeeting.com as alternatives.
v Develop a Continuation of Business Plan
· Plan for ways to encourage congregants make their pledge in the absence of being in worship. Give simple clear instructions about the options open to members.
· Talk to vendors and utility companies about what might happen in case operations are reduced at the church due to closures.
· Plan for continuing operations of the office and whether increased security will be warranted during closures. Can some employees work from home?
v Ensure congregational care and support for ongoing community ministry operations.
· If the church has a food pantry, discuss with those who do that ministry how they can plan to continue operations within the guidelines for public gatherings and at the same time take precautions not to spread the flu. Is home delivery viable?
· A member care group should explore how to provide palliative care and nutrition support to persons who are unable to care for themselves either because of prior conditions or the flu. Meals on wheels or other home feeding programs may be expanded to accommodate the need for home delivered meals.
v Develop plans for responding to new needs as they arise.
· How can the church provide support to families if businesses, schools and manufacturing plants close? How will the church care for the homeless and the displaced due to economic disruptions in the community?
· How can churches work together to provide support to those affected? Can churches share Parish Nurses and Stephen Ministers?

H1N1 Flu Sit Rep #5

Greetings this May 1st.
Here are this morning’s updates on the Health Event now officially called (H1N1) Type A flu-{formerly called “swine” flu}:

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides information on their website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
CDC reports this am: 109 confirmed cases in the US, spanning 11 states, including 26 cases in Texas.
Texas Governor Perry issued a disaster proclamation for the entire state.
The CDC reports Guadalupe County continues to lead Texas with 9 confirmed H1N1 cases; reporting Comal County with 1.
San Antonio Metro Health continues aggressively monitoring & testing. Their noon report will be important for weekend planning.
We will provide updated information as we receive it.

San Antonio/Bexar County EOC remains prepared, NOT activated.
The RMOC (Regional Medical Operations Center -San Antonio, Texas) is operating today in the EOC “to ensure we have clear communication pathways and are developing strategies that are collaborative in their approach” with the region and the state.
TX DSHS Region 8, covering the 28 counties including Bexar, Comal, & Guadalupe continues gathering and providing information.
TX DSHS website has a H1N1 page with good information: www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu
School Closure Information is available at www.tea.state.tx.us
Chief Jack Colley reminds us that the mission of the State of Texas is Prevent and Protect.
Dr. David Lakey, Texas Health Commissioner affirms the cornerstone of prevention is Good Hygiene.

PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) encourages Houses of Worship to review the “Guidance to Congregations on the H1N1 Flu Outbreak”. (See the next post for this information.) Additional Information is available on the PDA website: www.pcusa.org/pda/
Remember that “Congregations can be a communication network — a wonderful source of information — especially for people who may not be connected to other health information sources.”
“Keeping members up-to-date with reliable information and passing along the preparedness recommendations can help keep members from feeling as though they have no control.”

“Happy is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding….” Proverbs 3:13

Harvey H. Howell, President, SAVOAD

Swine Flu Sit Rep #4

Good morning,
San Antonio/Bexar County EOC is still prepared, NOT activated.
Current Swine Flu Status- Heightened Awareness The CCD website is: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the worldwide status to Cat 5: Pandemic Alert (Not yet Cat 6 -Pandemic)

CDC reports 91 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in the US, with 16 in Texas.
Bexar County has 1 probable case and 1 confirmed case- a young patient from Brownsville in Cameron County was transported to Hospital here.
San Antonio Metro Health director Dr. Fernando Guerra says "What has been reassuring about this is that it has been a mild illness."

Yesterday, Governor Perry issued Proclamation declaring a public health emergency in Texas.

State of Texas Dept State Health Services (DSHS) continues to provide current information to Texas.
They are recommending that areas with multiple confirmed cases of Swine Flu avoid mass gatherings.
High risk Vulnerable Populations include: young children and pregnant women. For up to date information go to the TX DSHS website: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/

Affected schools with multiple cases are closed and closing. For up to date information see the Texas Education Agency Swine Flu page at the TEA website: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/

Community Mitigation which includes Social Distancing Plans will potentially impact Houses of Worship.
For specific information on what to do now, and how to prepare for later, please see the PDA “Responding to the Swine Flu Outbreak” resource attached. More information is available on the PDA website: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/

Preparedness provides Hope “for such a time as this”.
Blessings,
Harvey H. Howell, President, SAVOAD

Swine Flu-Sit Rep #3

Good afternoon,
Current Swine Flu status-Heightened Awareness The CDC website is: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

The CDC reports 91 cases of Swine Flu in the US, spanning 10 states. The vast majority so far are mild cases.
Texas has 16 confirmed cases, in multiple counties, and one fatality (a toddler in Houston that came from Mexico City).
As a result, Governor Perry issued this morning the attached Proclamation, declaring a public health emergency.
The Governor’s Division of Emergency Management advises that information will be our primary tool to Protect and Prevent.

State of Texas Dept State Health Services (DSHS) has described the situation in Texas as “Very Fluid”.
They are recommending that areas with confirmed cases of Swine Flu avoid mass gatherings.
High risk Vulnerable Populations include: young children and pregnant women. For up to date information go to the TX DSHS website: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/

Affected schools and related events are closed and closing. For up to date information see the Texas Education Agency Swine Flu page at the TEA website: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/

Best information indicates Swine Flu is spread from Respiratory Droplets (just like flu), so the cornerstone for prevention is Good Hygiene, including cough suppression, and hand washing. For fever, Tylenol is recommended rather than aspirin.

Most importantly, we are urged to encourage our citizens to be prudent and not panic. If you are sick with flu symptoms, stay home. Community Mitigation which includes Social Distancing Plans are designed to minimize spread to vulnerable populations.

Houses of worship are encouraged to stay informed and plan ahead.

Please stay vigilant.
Prayerfully,
Harvey H. Howell, President, SAVOAD

Good morning,
Swine Flu-Current Status: Situational Awareness.

No change in San Antonio/Bexar County EOC status (still prepared, but NOT activated).
San Antonio Metro Health is coordinating and communicating with Region 8, DSHS in Austin, and the CDC.
No confirmed cases in Bexar CO.
Today’s Express News has pretty up-to-date info.

The State of Texas Sit Rep #2 is attached, reporting 3 cases of Swine Flu have been confirmed in Guadalupe County.

The attached form being used by the Schertz EMS is being sent to you “to stay ahead of the curve”. It can be used to screen your employees as they come to work each day. There is no request that you screen employees at this time, but Guadalupe County has received questions about this topic, and Kay Hays, Guadalupe County Volunteer Coordinator, (and our Guadalupe County VOAD friend) is sharing it with us.

“If you choose to screen employees this is an excellent tool (Flu Screen Form) for that purpose” reports Daniel Kinsey, CFM, Guadalupe County Emergency Management Coordinator.

It provides useful reminder information like: “Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow”. Facilities with vulnerable populations may want to review it as well.


Stay rested friends,
Harvey

Swine Flu Alert

Good morning,
Swine Flu was the focus topic at the San Antonio/Bexar County EOC briefing this morning. The message for all VOAD member/partners is: Situational Awareness. The best information is available on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

In summary:
1) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed that, over the last 72 hours, an outbreak of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) or “swine flu” appears to have originated in Mexico, where 103 deaths have been reported.
2) CDC reports 20 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in the United States including California, Texas, New York City, Kansas and Ohio, with only one of those 20 hospitalized. There are no reported fatalities in the U. S. related to Swine Flu.
3) The 2 Texas cases are located in Cibolo, a community in Guadalupe County on the outskirts of San Antonio.
4) San Antonio/Bexar County EOC is prepared, but not activated. EOC activation would come at the request of City/County Leaders, and in this case, Metro Health leaders.
5) SAVOAD leadership is in communication with Metro Health, and at this time, does NOT plan to activate the VOC (Volunteer Operation Center).
6) Swine Flu is flu, so common sense prevention includes hand washing and, if flu-like symptoms are detected, rest at home.
7) Pandemic Flu preparedness plans should be reviewed, to stay prepared.

Also please find two very helpful overviews: Faith-Based and Community Organizations—Essential Partners in Pandemic Influenza Preparedness by Scott Santibañez MD MPHTM, Commander, U.S. Public Health Service.
and
Pandemic Flu Overview by Kim Eller, Greenville Co., SC Red Cross, March 2, 2007,
Presented to: Greenville County (SC) VOAD.

Also a document by J. Lewis Saylor developed especially for the Faith Community:
Ministry & Hope During The Pandemic Flu. . . a candid conversation with the faith community, May 17, 2007
A Conference; Planning Guide Developed By: J. Lewis Saylor, FCBA.

Stay rested friends,
Harvey