Columbia University Pandemic Flu Response

Planning and Response

Overview

Columbia's Pandemic Preparedness Working Group (PPWG) has been tasked with developing a Pandemic Response Plan for the entire University. Recognizing that various campuses may have different risks, the comprehensive plan incorporates specific responses for each campus as appropriate. This plan, as recommended by the CDC, pays specific attention to planning and coordination, continuity of operations, infection control policies and procedures, and communications planning. As the pandemic evolves, the PPWG, with the support of the University's Institutional Biosafety Committee, will monitor global, national and local conditions, provide technical and medical support and modify the plan as needed.

More information about Columbia's plan will be posted online in the coming months.

General Principles

Protect the community and reduce the number of flu cases and deaths. Protecting the Columbia community from avoidable risk of infection as much as possible and maintaining morale. Ensuring that every member of the Columbia community (students, faculty, and staff) who requires medical attention receives appropriate care. Providing for vaccination of students, staff, and faculty when the new pandemic flu vaccine becomes available.
Provide essential care for ill students. Providing for the essential healthcare needs of students who may be confined to campus. Students may be forced to remain on campus for extended periods due to illness or the unavailability of normal transportation.
House and support students who cannot leave campus.
Maintain critical operations and support services. During a pandemic, which predictably will last a minimum of several months, up to half of the workforce could be out at any one time, due to illness of employees or family members. In addition, if schools are closed, working parents may need to stay home with their children until schools re-open. Essential services, such as security, animal care, heating, electricity, and water must be provided despite employee absences, which may require re-prioritizing services within each operating unit.
Support continuity of critical research functions and the laboratory research enterprise.
Communicate with faculty, staff and students on a regular basis, and provide the best information sources. Coordinating with our healthcare system, and with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH), and other appropriate governmental authorities. It is essential that the University act in concert with other resources in the City and region, to minimize confusion, assure wise use of resources, and provide the University community with the most up-to-date and accurate information.