Kingston Community Risk Register

A Pandemic is a rapidly spreading epidemic and will cause serious illness in a large proportion of the population. Pandemics are natural events that happen when a unique virus evolves that few people are immune to.

The symptoms of a pandemic could be similar to those of ordinary flu but are usually more severe. It can occur at any time of the year and is a more serious infection for everyone of all ages, not just those in the high risk category.

A pandemic could cause a large percentage of the population to experience symptoms, there is the potential for fatalities and high levels of absence from work.

Impacts

• Family and workforce sickness.
• Disruption to day to day activities (transport and travel, food and fuel supplies).
• Isolation.
• Increase in vulnerable residents and their support needs.
• Increase in hospital admissions and fatalities.

What residents can do

• Vaccination - annual vaccines can help reduce the risk of pandemics.
• Maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs.
• Keep healthy as a healthy lifestyle can be a great defence against pandemics.
• Identify someone who could collect your medication and other supplies if you are isolated.
• Check national government website.
• Keep a personal stock of over the counter medication, including hand sanitiser and spare face coverings.
• Antibiotics do not have any effect on viruses.

What the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector can do

• Have triggers to reduce face to face work arrangements and start work from home arrangements.
• Have telephone and social media routes to contact staff and general users.
• If established, consider support to a community support hub and offering your building for response arrangements.
• Monitor and support your most vulnerable users / clients.
• Have well rehearsed business continuity plans.
• Consider what occupational health arrangements are in place.