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Influenza Pandemic

Declaration of enhanced conditions means that an abnormal event, potential or actual emergency has been detected or is in development. Under these conditions the ministry enhances its surveillance and monitoring activities and takes appropriate related actions.

Influenza Pandemic Planning

General Plans, Presentations, and Resources

You are free to use the documents and resource materials listed below. Please ensure that you reference the appropriate ministry or organization as the source of this information.

The focus of influenza pandemic planning and preparedness is to minimize the affects of an influenza pandemic. If we take the appropriate measures and if we continue to plan – whether a business owner, a leader in the faith community, or a health care facility or provider - we have a much better chance at mitigating the human health risks, as well as potential impact on society and business.

There are many resources available to assist organizations and professionals with preparation and planning, as well as informing the public. These resources can be found below under the following :

Additional resources are also available under specific sectors, publications and resource links listed on the menu bar on the left-hand side of this page.

Provincial Influenza Pandemic Plans and Guides

The Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic (OHPIP)

The 2008 OHPIP can be viewed or downloaded in its entirety or by individual sections. A collection of frequently asked questions related to the 2008 OHPIP is also available from that page. Please see the OHPIP web page for more information and to access the plan.

The Provincial Coordination Plan for Influenza Pandemic (PCPIP)

Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) has developed the Provincial Coordination Plan for Influenza Pandemic (PCPIP). This plan was written to support the Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic (OHPIP) and addresses influenza pandemic planning issues that focus on meeting human needs and maintaining critical infrastructure. For more information, see the Provincial Coordination Plan for Influenza Pandemic [PDF].

Pandemic Planning Guide for Employers

This guide aims to assist organizations in developing a workplace health plan for an influenza pandemic that will help to prepare for and manage the impact of an influenza pandemic on employees and business operations. For more information or to access the guide, please visit Information For Employers.

The Pandemic Planning Guide for the Ontario Public Service

The Ministry of Government Services (MGS) has developed the Pandemic Planning Guide for the Ontario Public Service (OPS). This planning guide was designed to support senior management, emergency planners, and employees prepare for an influenza pandemic. It aims to educate managers on planning and preparing to protect themselves and their employees and clients, while still delivering critical government services.

For more information, see the Pandemic Planning Guide for the OPS. In addition, MGS has developed the OPS Pandemic Planning Workbook, the OPS Pandemic Planning Manager’s Workbook, and the Staying Healthy during a Flu Pandemic brochure, and an educational video entitled Pandemic Planning in the OPS.

The Funeral Service Guide to Pandemic Planning

The Board of Funeral Services (the "Board") and the Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) have released an influenza pandemic guide to assist and support the funeral sector in its planning activities. For more information, see the Funeral Service Guide to Pandemic Planning [PDF]

Guide to Influenza Pandemic Preparedness for Faith Groups

This guide aims to assist faith groups and faith-based service providers develop an influenza pandemic plan. For more information or to access this guide, please visit Information for Faith Groups.

Influenza Pandemic Guidelines For Municipal Emergency Management Programs

In July 2006, Emergency Management Ontario issued this interim guide to provide further advice and assistance to municipalities interested in preparing response plans and other arrangements related to a potential influenza pandemic. For more information, see the Influenza Pandemic Guidelines For Municipal Emergency Management Programs [PDF]

United States Fire Administration : Pandemic Influenza Planning and Preparation

The United States Fire Administration offers this draft interim guidance to all service agencies, including fire, police, emergency medical services, public works, 911 call centers, and emergency management. The best practices are designed to promote the development of first responder community-specific guidelines and operational protocols to meet the challenge of a pandemic outbreak.

For more information, see the United States Fire Administration : Pandemic Influenza Planning and Preparation [PDF] best practices model.

Pandemic Planning for Small, Rural and Northern Hospitals :

The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) Pandemic Planning Toolkit for Small, Rural, and Northern Hospitals was released in November 2007. The goals of the Toolkit are to provide practical strategies, checklists and templates to assist hospitals with the development and implementation of a Hospital Pandemic Plan that would respond to the unique issues and challenges faced in these communities.

Visit the OHA web site at: http://www.srnhospitals.com

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Influenza Plan 2008

The plan is availble English and French

National Policy Recommendations on the Use of Antivirals for Prevention during an Influenza Pandemic

Learn more about National Policy Recommendations on the Use of Antivirals for Prevention during an Influenza Pandemic

Presentations

Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic (OHPIP)

A presentation about the 2008 OHPIP  [PDF] is also avalailble. The presentation provides an overview of the plan and key initiatives that the ministry has taken to enhance pandemic planning and preparedness in Ontario.

Note : Please source the Ministry of health and Long-Term Care when using ministry materials.

Faith Groups and General Public

The following presentations are available below for downloading. These presentations can be used for meetings and educational sessions with the general public and faith communities :

Document Download

Provincial Response to an Influenza Pandemic :
Pandemic Planning in Ontario
22 pages | 286 kb | PDF format

Infection Control Guidelines During an Influenza Pandemic :
Communicating Influenza Pandemic - Who, What, When
24 pages | 1 mb | PDF format

How the Public Health Unit Can Assist You During an Influenza Pandemic
16 pages | 82 kb | PDF format

To view PDF format files, you need to have Adobe Acrobat® Reader installed on your computer.
Download Acrobat Reader You can download this free software from the Adobe Web site.

Fact Sheets

The Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Steering Committee has developed 10 new fact sheets on influenza pandemic to help inform the public.

These fact sheets are available in 23 languages, including English and French, and address an number of topics including: how an influenza pandemic may affect Ontario; what you should include in your portable emergency kit; staying healthy and what to do to limit the spread of the virus.

Printable Fact Sheets  -  PDF Format

Preparing for a Flu Pandemic : How Will Ontario Be Affected?
English  |  French

Preparing for a Flu Pandemic : Making Individual and Family Plans
English  |  French

In Case of a Flu Pandemic : Additions to Your Emergency Supply Kit for Home
English  |  French

Staying Healthy During a Flu Pandemic
English  |  French

Limiting the Spread : Travel, Social Contact and Pandemic Flu
English  |  French

Pandemic Flu and Personal Protection : Hand Hygiene
English  |  French

Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family : What to Do If You Get Pandemic Flu
English  |  French

Treating Pandemic Flu : What Your Health Care Provider Will Need to Know and May Ask You to Do
English  |  French

Treating Pandemic Flu : Vaccines and Antiviral Drugs
English  |  French

Protecting the Circle of Life : What You Should Know About Pandemic Flu
English  |  French  |  Ojicree

All of the above Fact Sheets are available as downloadable PDFs in 21 more languages. Select the language of your choice in the table below

Multi-Language Printable Fact Sheets

Printable Fact Sheets for Health Care Providers

The following fact sheets have been prepared for health care providers in consultation with the Ontario Health Plan for Influenza Pandemic Steering Committee. The information is intended to ensure that healthcare providers understand communications, roles and responsibilities and the overall strategy that will be employed in the event of an influenza pandemic.

Printable Fact Sheets for Health Care Providers   -  PDF Format

How will antivirals be used in an influenza pandemic?
English  |  French

During an influenza pandemic there will be information from many sources – who should I believe?
English  |  French

How can I bring forward my ideas and questions about planning for an influenza pandemic?
English  |  French

Who is in charge during an influenza pandemic?
English  |  French

How will I be kept informed during an influenza pandemic?
English  |  French

How is Ontario preparing to respond to an influenza pandemic?
English  |  French

How will my union be kept informed during a flu pandemic?
English  |  French

I work alone – how will I know what to do in a given situation during an influenza pandemic?
English  |  French

Brochure - What You Should Know About a Flu Pandemic

In 2006, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care developed a brochure and key fact sheets on “What You Should Know About a Flu Pandemic”. The brochure has been distributed to family physician offices across Ontario.

Brochures  -  What You Should Know About a Flu Pandemic  -  PDF Format

English  |  French

Fact Sheets - What You Should Know About a Flu Pandemic - PDF Format

Brochure - Overview of the Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic

This brochure provides an overview of Ontario’s 2007 plan, with helpful information for health planners and the public.

Brochure - Overview of the Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic

English  |  French

To view PDF format files, you need to have Adobe Acrobat® Reader installed on your computer.
Download Acrobat Reader You can download this free software from the Adobe Web site.

Video

In addition to the brochures and fact sheets, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has made available a video on influenza pandemic. This video is available in American Sign Language, with voice over.

American Sign Language (ASL) Video
For More Information

Call ServiceOntario, Infoline at 1-866-532-3161
(Toll-free in Ontario only)
TTY 1-800-387-5559. In Toronto, TTY 416-327-4282
Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm

If you are a member of the media, call Communications and Information Branch at 416-314-6197 or visit our News Room section.

 

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