Do you have a plan?
Do you have a plan for your spa in the event of the avian or pandemic flu?
Precautions you can take now for your spa in the event of an outbreak
The spa industry is dependent upon the touch therapies, and person to person contact. What would happen if 30-50% of the workforce were out either sick or taking care of loved ones who are sick? What would happen if the general public feared person-to-person contact, apprehensive of a deadly virus being transmitted? Could your spa afford to lose 50% of business for an extended period of time?
USA Today summarized a White House plan if a serious outbreak occurs.
USA Today excerpt: (full story: http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-05-02-bird-flu_x.htm?POE=click-refer )
“No one knows when a pandemic will occur, but experts fear that a bird-flu virus that is now spreading across the globe could spark one should it mutate and develop the ability to spread easily among people. The plan provides some idea of what could happen if a pandemic does occur:
• At work, employees would be advised to avoid hand-shaking and maintain a 3-foot distance from co-workers. Flexible work hours and telecommuting would be recommended.
• Schools and public transit facilities may close.
• Closing the border would be difficult, but airline travel may be restricted. Ill passengers could be isolated and fellow travelers quarantined.”
The media is certainly following the prospect of an outbreak closely. Research the possibility now and provide valuable precautionary information to your employees versus letting them get it all from the media. Develop a plan to assure your customers of the cleanliness and sanitation of your spa, and what efforts you are doing for disease control in general. It can only help to plan ahead. Below are some valuable links to find out about the chances of something actually occurring, and a business checklist developed by the government.
Excellent resources!
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/businesschecklist.html
Attached is a definition of the phases of pandemic according to the World Health Organization (we are currently in Phase 3). You will also find a Primer and FAQ put together by one state’s Emergency Preparedness Committee with facts and definitions that could be helpful to you. A little planning now can save a lot down the road.