Select two of the following scenarios and respond to the questions that are posed in each. As you consider the scenarios you have selected, think about the following considerations as you develop your responses.

Scenario #1: Local business owners should have an emergency plan to protect both their customers and employees in the event of pandemic influenza. Employers should implement policies that allow for flexible sick leaves and conduct routine cleaning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends this. To limit the spread, business owners may also modify work schedules and allow employees to work remotely. They can also practice social distance in the office. Business owners who want to maintain their business can implement two actions: a remote-work policy, and paid sick leave. Businesses can prevent the spread of viruses by allowing their staff to work remotely, and giving them paid sick leaves.

Scenario 1, part B: Local business owners who are concerned that a large convention could be cancelled as a result of an outbreak of pandemic influenza can do several things to safeguard their income. The CDC suggests that event organizers monitor and assess the situation closely in conjunction with public health officials, making decisions based on best information available (CDC, 2021). Business owners may offer refunds to attendees or delay the convention if it is in danger of cancellation. Some events do not need to be cancelled. The business owner should consult with the public health department to determine the level of risk. They can then make decisions using the best information available.

Scenario 2. Law enforcement officials are critical in protecting communities during pandemics. Law enforcement officials should protect themselves against the virus to ensure they continue serving the public. This involves practicing proper hand hygiene, avoiding contact with individuals who are sick, and wearing protective gear (PPE), when needed (CDC 2021). Law enforcement personnel can stay on the job by practicing social distance in the office and training employees to take over critical roles. Law enforcement officers can reduce the spread of a virus by practicing social distance. Employees who are cross-trained can cover critical tasks if a staff member is sick.

Scenario #3: In the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak, day care providers will play a vital role in providing for children of parents who are working. In order to stay open, and be able to provide care to the children they care for, daycare providers can protect both themselves and those children. The CDC suggests that daycare providers maintain good hygiene and regularly disinfect surfaces. They also encourage sick kids to stay at home. Day care providers have two ideas to keep their doors open. They can modify operating hours so that they are able to clean more frequently and implement a policy of sick leave for staff. Modifying operating hours will allow daycare providers to disinfect and clean the facilities more often. Day care providers who implement a sick-leave policy can make sure that employees are sick and stay at home, preventing the spread of viruses to children.

Scenario 4. Grocery stores play a vital role in supplying essential items to the community following a pandemic outbreak of influenza. In order to make sure that essential items are available to the community, storeowners should take steps to protect both themselves and their staff. The CDC suggests that owners implement social distancing, disinfect and clean surfaces on a regular basis, and give PPEs to their employees where appropriate. Cross-training staff to perform critical functions, and working with the local health department to identify alternate suppliers are two actions storeowners can implement to keep their stores stocked and operating. Storeowners are able to cover critical functions if employees are absent because of illness by cross-training their staff.