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Emergency Status Line
1-800-445-5830Berkeley Lab Pandemic Flu Information Site

The H1N1 influenza virus, previously called swine flu, continues to spread worldwide. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a pandemic. Spread of H1N1 flu occurs in the same way that seasonal flu spreads, mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. People may also become infected by touching something, such as a surface or object, with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. Berkeley Lab continues to prepare for the impact of widespread flu through its Business Continuity Planning process. For more information about the H1N1 vaccine go here.

Berkeley Lab Pandemic Response

To coordinate Berkeley Lab’s response to the H1N1 pandemic, the Lab has established a Pandemic Planning Response Team comprised of representatives from Health Services, Environment Health and Safety, Human Resources, Office of the CFO, and Public Affairs. Task Force plans are also coordinated with the City of Berkeley and Alameda County health officials in order to provide an integrated response in the event that a flu pandemic should impact the Bay Area. As information about the pandemic becomes available, the Lab will communicate its plans to employees through the Lab’s Emergency Status Announcement number – 1-800-445-5830 and various venues, including Today at Berkeley Lab, the OurSafety website, and this webpage.

Lab Pandemic Preparedness Activities

Berkeley Lab has prepared a Pandemic Implementation Action Plan which spells out the steps that will be taken should a pandemic affect business operations at the Laboratory. This plan includes policies regarding prevention and control of the infection, travel restrictions, medical leave and family assistance policies, determining essential functions at the lab in the research divisions in the event of a shutdown or partial shutdown, and related business and operations issues.

A Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is being established by each division to address operational needs should the lab experience a partial or full shutdown. The BCP will outline the particular needs and guidelines for each of the divisions at the Lab. Visit the BCP website here.

Steps employees can take before an emergency

  • Visit the Red Cross Pandemic Flu preparedness site to learn steps you can take to be prepared
  • Update your emergency contacts in the Lab’s database by logging into Employee Self Service and clicking on 'Emergency Contact' in the left navigation bar.
  • Know the Lab’s Emergency Status Announcement number – 1-800-445-5830
  • In the event the Lab’s website is inoperable, you can visit the emergency status website at http://status.lbl.gov/  Internet requests for www.lbl.gov will automatically redirect to this site if an emergency plan has been put into effect. The site can also be used by customers and lab employees who are having difficulty connecting to lab services to verify that no disruption has taken place and all services are available.
  • Ask your supervisor for contact information and for an alternate contact should he or she not be available.
  • Ensure that your paycheck is available to you by signing up for direct deposit to your bank or credit union. Direct Deposit forms are available here.
  • Prepare to work from home by visiting the Lab's Remote Access FAQ site here.
clean your hands
To download a printable pandemic poster click on the images above

* Get the latest twitters on U.S. Government pandemic flu twitter