Pandemic Flu Information

Georgia Tech has taken significant steps to prepare the Institute for a potential flu pandemic. For example, a special Pandemic Influenza Task Force was formed to conduct pre-event planning and to prepare specific pandemic flu response procedures designed to mitigate the impact of a potential pandemic outbreak at Georgia Tech locations. The Task Force also established and identified the Institute's capabilities and responsibilities during such an outbreak. Should there be an outbreak impacting the Institute, this Web site will be used to relay critical information to the Georgia Tech community.

The Georgia Tech Pandemic Influenza Operations Plan will be adapted based on policy and direction from the Georgia Board of Regents and other state and federal authorities and to meet specific needs identified during an actual event. In addition, the Task Force established the following pandemic influenza action phases:

Phase I: Normal conditions

• 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, a Web site, and printed materials
• Provide training for campus personnel (security, housing, facilities, etc.)

Phase II: Confirmed in U.S. wild/domestic birds

• Advise students and faculty of situation
• Provide background information on the disease and personal preventive measures
• Monitor progression of the disease
• Review and exercise policies and procedures

Phase III: Confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission outside the U.S.

• Assess the vulnerability of Georgia Tech students, staff, and faculty outside the U.S. and take appropriate actions
• Provide daily/weekly updates on the progression of disease via the Georgia Tech Web site

Phase IV: Confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission in the U.S. or Georgia

• Increase disease surveillance, providing timely updates to the Georgia Tech community
• Schedule health forums and Q & A sessions for staff, faculty, and students
• Maintain routine contact with the Fulton County Health Department
• Modify exchange programs, athletic events, and travel plans as needed

Phase V: Suspected or confirmed case of avian influenza in Fulton County

• Maintain daily contact with the Fulton County Health Department on disease outbreak status
• Trigger reporting mechanism for faculty, staff, and students
• Modify campus events and schedules as needed
• Notify Georgia Tech response units (housing, transportation, etc.)

Phase VI: Suspected or confirmed case on campus

• Activate President’s Advisory Group
• Implement isolation and quarantine policies
• Implement alternative work schedule policies
• Notify the Fulton County Health Department
• Provide regular updates to the Fulton Emergency Management Agency, Board of Regents, and other key entities
• Suspend classes and provide only essential operations
• Issue regular press updates