While it has been nearly three years since the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, we must continue to be vigilant in preparing for the next influenza pandemic. For this reason, interagency coordination for pandemic planning continues within the Federal Government. As part of its overarching emergency preparedness efforts, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is tasked with educating Federal departments and agencies on human resources (HR) policies and guidance available to managers, employees, and HR practitioners for an influenza pandemic and other public health emergencies.
In order to continue strengthening our efforts to protect the Federal workforce during an influenza pandemic, we ask you to review the current guidance available and provide feedback on whether or not this guidance meets your needs. Below are the resources we are asking you to review:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ consumer website at http://www.flu.gov for the latest tools, ideas and resources on influenza for employees and families to use
- U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration website at http://www.osha.gov for the latest on safe and healthful working conditions for employees
Within four (4) weeks of the date of this memorandum, please provide your feedback via email to pandemicflu@opm.gov.
Concurrently, I am asking each of you to review the HR guidance found in your own department or agency’s pandemic influenza plan and update it accordingly, as appropriate. Depending on your feedback, we will provide an update on any changes to the current resources identified above.
If you have any questions about this effort or need additional information, please contact your OPM Human Capital Officer.