UST Pandemic Plan
University of St. Thomas Pandemic Plan: Scope and Procedures
The H1N1 influenza virus is currently considered an influenza pandemic. St. Thomas remains committed to advancing our level of preparedness to best meet this international threat.
The University of St. Thomas is actively engaged in the ongoing refinement of our emergency plan allowing the University to respond quickly and effectively during this 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:
World Health Organization (WHO)
Phases 1-3 Predominantly Animal Infections: Few Humans
-
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 4: Sustained Human to Human Transmission
- 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
Phases 5-6: Widespread Human Infection
- 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
- Communicate closely with 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.)
- Implement possible isolation and quarantine policies as directed by local government
- Implement possible 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 as necessary
- Maintain essential university operations
- Issue regular press updates
