Kingston Community Risk Register

A Pandemic is a rapidly spreading epidemic and will cause serious illness in a large proportion of the population. Pandemics are natural events that happen when a unique virus evolves that few people are immune to.

The symptoms of a pandemic could be similar to those of ordinary flu but are usually more severe. It can occur at any time of the year and is a more serious infection for everyone of all ages, not just those in the high risk category.

A pandemic could cause a large percentage of the population to experience symptoms, there is the potential for fatalities and high levels of absence from work.

Impacts: family & workforce sickness, disruption to day to day activities (transport & travel, food & fuel supplies), Isolation, increase in vulnerable residents and their support needs, increase in hospital admissions and fatalities.

What residents can do:

Vaccination - annual vaccines can help reduce the risk of pandemics
Maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs
Keep healthy as a healthy lifestyle can be a great defence against pandemics
Identify someone who could collect your medication and other supplies if you are isolated.
Check national government website
Keep a personal stock of over the counter medication, including hand sanitiser and spare face coverings
Antibiotics do not have any effect on viruses

What the VCSE sector can do:
Have triggers to reduce face to face work arrangements and start work from home arrangements
Have telephone and social media routes to contact staff and general users
If established, consider support to a community support hub and offering your building for response arrangements
Monitor and support your most vulnerable users / clients
Have well rehearsed business continuity plans.
Consider what occupational health arrangements are in place.