Pandemics severely impact institutions and the people supporting them. The nature of pandemics requires unique planning for institutional continuity relative to a standard continuity plan.
The World Health Organization has outlined six phases of a pandemic. These phases are designed to be easily understood and based on observable phenomenon. “Phases 1-3 correlate with preparedness, including capacity development and response planning activities, while Phases 4-6 clearly signal the need for response and mitigation efforts.”1 As of this writing, the WHO has not identified the Coronavirus(COVID-19) as a pandemic.
Given the nature of a pandemic, any planning efforts must account for a more chronic experience of adverse events –waves of intensity, peaking, and subsiding. The “CDC defines a pandemic as an extended event with multiple occurrences of outbreaks in the same geographic area, each outbreak lasting six to eightweeks.”2 It is assumed that a pandemic will be wildly impactful. Being aware of just how much a pandemic may impact your institution is critical to ensure your preparedness is thorough and effective.
According to a CDC and OSHA estimate, “as much as 40 percent of a workforce could be affected by a pandemic and be absent from work due to illness, having to care for a sick family member, or having to care for children in the event of a school closure. In addition to absenteeism, organizations must contend with presenteeism – when a sick worker is physically present.”2
Planning for a pandemic is different from a general continuity plan because pandemic plans must account for larger geographic impact. Additionally, the impact comes in waves and lasts for, potentially, months at a time, as opposed to a singular adverse event you are recovering from.
It is recommended that you create an annex within your existing plans to accommodate the necessary additional considerations regarding pandemics.
Differences to Consider:
2Bellow, D. (2010, January 1). Business continuity plans for pandemics. Retrieved from https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/print/business-continuity-plans-for-pandemics-2
Each institution is unique in needs, resources, and the extent of the potential impact. Use these suggested pandemic plan considerations to spur other pandemic planning needs that may be unique to your institution.
Campus Health Center (if applicable)
Pandemics severely impact institutions and the people supporting them. The nature of pandemics requires unique planning for institutional continuity relative to a standard continuity plan. Institutions must prepare for waves of severe impact with intermittent periods of relief.
Considerations include preparing for student communication, housing, research, community involvement, study abroad students, health center, faculty and staff communication, and more. Preparing and planning for a pandemic can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. Take it one step at a time and utilize any resources at your disposal.
If you have questions about getting started or evaluating your pandemic plans or need support in building pandemic plans, higher ed continuity planning experts at Kuali are ready to help.
Contact experts at experience@kuali.co or learn more at kuali.co.
CDC information specific to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
CDC communication resources specific to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) CDC Public Health Media Library
CDC Pandemic Influenza resources
CDC College and University Influenza Checklist
WHO Situational Reports on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) WHO Public Health Emergency Dashboard
WHO Infographic resource
WHO Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) explanation video
WHO video - What can people do to protect themselves and others from getting the new coronavirus?
Testing and managing your plan to keep it up-to-date is just as important as building it. We provide easy ways to identify plans that are due for updates, maintain
your plans, and manage your plans in one place.
Reduce the amount of training time needed for all participants with built-in guidance and best practices in the software.
Easily empower and engage all stakeholders with easy-to-use software, reports, and action lists.
No two higher ed institutions are the same, your software shouldn't be either. Kuali Ready is configured to your institution and uses data specific to your institution to ensure accurate, consistent data across your plans.
Higher Ed Continuity Planning Buying Guide
Benefits, features to consider, and evaluation support.
Download Now
Thorough Guide to Higher Ed BCP
Learn all of the elements that go into a higher ed BCP program from creating plans to testing them to keep them current.
Continuity Program Methodology for Higher Ed
Building a higher ed continuity program can be a daunting task. This resource guides you through the entire lifecycle of a robust higher ed continuity program and provides recommendations to help you get started.