University of St. Thomas Pandemic Plan: Scope and Procedures

There are world-wide concerns that the Avian flu has the potential to mutate and produce an easily transmittable influenza pandemic. To date, no cases of Avian flu have been diagnosed in the United States, and the threat level for a pandemic outbreak remains low. St. Thomas remains committed to advancing our level of preparedness to best meet this possible threat.

The University of St. Thomas is actively engaged in the development and refinement of an emergency plan that allows the University to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak. The plan outlines specific processes for managing the threat to the health and safety of the campus community and disruptions to its programs and activities as a result of a serious, widespread influenza outbreak. The plan identifies departments and individuals that are directly responsible for emergency response and critical services. It also provides a management structure for coordinating and deploying essential resources.

The University's response to pandemic influenza is guided by the threat level of a pandemic, and builds upon existing internal and external supports. We continue to work closely with local and state officials in refining the plan. This site will be updated as new international, national and local information becomes available.

The University of St. Thomas Pandemic Plan is outlined below:

Phase I: Confirmed cases of bird-to-human transmission outside of the U.S.

• Maintain daily operations
• Monitor information regarding global disease activity
• Develop and maintain plans
• Educate students, faculty, and staff on plan components through town hall meetings, website, and printed materials
• Provide training for campus personnel (security, housing, facilities, etc.)
• Provide background information on the disease and personal preventative measures
• Review, revise, and exercise policies and procedures

Phase II: Confirmed cases of sustained human-to-human transmission outside of the U.S.

• Assess the vulnerability of University of Saint Thomas students, staff, and faculty outside the U.S. and take appropriate actions
• Provide daily/weekly updates on the progression of the disease via the University of St. Thomas website
• Activate St. Thomas Pandemic Response Group

Phase III: Sporadic cases of human-to-human transmission in the U.S. or Minnesota

• Increase disease surveillance, providing timely updates to the University of St. Thomas community
• Schedule health forums and Q & A sessions for staff, faculty, and students
• Maintain daily contact with the Minnesota State Health Department regarding outbreak status, as well as health departments in the following counties: Hennepin, Ramsey, and Steele
• Modify exchange programs, athletic events, and travel plans as needed
• Trigger reporting mechanism for faculty, staff, and students
• Modify campus events and schedules as needed
• Notify University of St. Thomas response units (housing, transportation, etc.)

Phase IV: Confirmed case(s) on campus or widespread confirmed cases in the Twin Cities

• Implement isolation and quarantine policies
• Implement alternative work schedule policies
• Notify the state and county health departments
• Provide regular updates to the state and county health agencies, Board of Trustees and other vital entities
• Deliver classes via different avenues and provide only essential operations
• Issue regular press updates