CDC posts "General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu in Workers"

CDC has published "General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu in Workers" on its website

This is actually a great starting point for NGOs to develop appropriate workplace guidance and HR policies.

An excerpt from the site:

"What can employers do to protect employees?

1. Encourage sick workers to stay home and away from the workplace, and provide flexible leave policies.

2. Encourage infection control practices in the workplace by displaying posters that address and remind workers about proper handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette. These posters can be found on the Germ Stopper: Posters and Other Materials page.

3.Provide written guidance (email, etc.) on novel influenza A (H1N1) flu appropriate for the language and literacy levels of everyone in the workplace. Employers should work closely with local and state public health officials to ensure they are providing the most appropriate and up-to-date information (e.g., the CDC H1N1 Flu website).

4. Provide sufficient facilities for hand washing and alcohol-based (at least 60%) hand sanitizers (or wipes) in common workplace areas such as lobbies, corridors, and restrooms.

5. Provide tissues, disinfectants, and disposable towels for employees to clean their work surfaces, as well as appropriate disposal receptacles for use by employees.

One study showed that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. To reduce the chance of spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, disinfect commonly touched hard surfaces in the workplace, such as work stations, counter tops, door knobs, and bathroom surfaces by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label."

To review the whole site visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/workplace.htm