August 2006
TO:	District Superintendents Superintendents of Public and Nonpublic Schools Administrators of Charter Schools
FROM:	Richard P. Mills Commissioner New York State Education Department
	Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H. Commissioner New York State Department of Health
SUBJECT:	Pandemic Preparedness

The global health community is closely monitoring the occurrence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus which has spread throughout Asia and parts of Europe and Africa. Although it primarily affects birds, there is significant concern that the virus could change to a type that spreads more easily from person to person, producing a worldwide influenza epidemic (referred to as a “pandemic”).

Pandemics happen when a new influenza virus emerges to which people have little or no immunity. An influenza pandemic could encircle the globe rapidly, causing millions of people to become ill and die. This would seriously strain healthcare systems throughout the world and affect the ability of government and the private sector to provide essential services.

As part of New York State’s comprehensive pandemic preparedness effort, we are writing to underscore the potential magnitude of a pandemic on the education community. It is especially important that you understand the gravity of a potential pandemic and begin to prepare now. Your leadership and guidance is crucial as we work together to plan for this potential event.

In a severe pandemic, all employers—including schools —will experience a dramatic reduction in their workforce, as one-in-four employees becomes ill and others remain home to care for sick family members. Many schools may close because of excessive student and staff absenteeism. Available evidence indicates that school closure (perhaps as long as 12 weeks in duration) early in a pandemic may significantly reduce influenza transmission. Health officials will notify school authorities when conditions warrant school closure. In certain instances, school facilities may be asked to function as Points of Dispensing (PODs) for essential medications.

We strongly encourage you to work closely with your county/city health department and emergency management officials to increase your district’s pandemic preparedness in the upcoming school year. To assist you in your planning process, we have prepared a pandemic information packet specifically designed for the education community. It includes preparedness checklists, frequently asked questions, educational posters that promote behaviors to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and an overview of the State Health Department’s pandemic plan. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.pandemicflu.gov and http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/pandemic/index.htm.

Although no one knows for sure when the next pandemic will occur, or what new influenza virus will cause a pandemic, the impact on schools could be enormous. Your leadership on this vital issue is urgently needed. Thank you for your assistance.


The pandemic information packet is available in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) only.  If the document is needed in an alternate format, please contact Laura Sahr, NYSED Office of Facilities Planning at (518) 474-3906.