linnugripiblog

Pandemics typically come in two to three waves of active infection. Each wave would last six to eight weeks and would be repeated after an interim period of little or no disease in the community. All schools, daycares and public gathering spots will likely be closed for the duration of each wave.

Can we isolate the islands early on and prevent the spread of disease here?
This is an appealing idea, but impractical and perhaps illegal. People are contagious with the flu before they show symptoms, so it is impossible to screen arrivals to the islands.

The logistics of restricting all arrivals would take more manpower than we have locally, and the reality is that in the past this type of isolation has been ineffective in stopping the spread of disease. A more effective approach is to aggressively close public gatherings of all kinds, and to strongly encourage residents to stay home and minimize exposure.

If I am sick, will I be confined to my house?
People with fever and cough will be strongly encouraged to stay at home. A phone triage system will be established to evaluate whether a patient needs more advanced care.

Forced isolation could be used in the case of a contagious individual who purposefully put others at risk, but it will truly be in everyone’s best interest to minimize their own exposure, and once sick to avoid spreading the illness to friends, co-workers, neighbors and other islanders.

During each active phase of the pandemic, upwards of 30 percent of the workforce is likely to be staying home, either because they are sick, are taking care of someone who is, or are caring for children who are out of school.

Because a pandemic will affect communities across the globe, food, fuel, access to mainland healthcare, and other services and supplies we’ve come to count on may be in short supply.

What do I need to do to prepare?
As with all disasters, being able to keep you and your family warm, fed, hydrated and supplied with vital medications is critical. If islanders are prepared individually, the islands will survive collectively. During a pandemic, power, water and other essential services will likely continue without interruption, but access to food, fuel and routine healthcare may be limited.
Having a supply of three to five “N-95” masks for each of your family members is a very inexpensive and simple step toward protecting yourself. Talk to your local pharmacist about how to obtain them, or look on the Internet.

It makes sense to stockpile a supply of food. Build up a surplus, rotate through what you’ve stored, and make sure you replace what you use. In addition to weathering shortages, if you and your family can take care of yourselves from home without frequent trips out, you’ll minimize your chances of interacting with contagious islanders. For information on what and how to stockpile, go to www.sanjuandem.net.

Perhaps the hardest but most critical step to prepare is to truly understand that in the event of a pandemic, the world will be a different place. Routine services will be limited and much that we take for granted in our regular lives will be unavailable or stopped. To survive the challenge will take preparation, patience and perseverance. It won’t be easy and there will be no magic solution.