September 2009

The San Antonio hospitality industry formed an H1N1 Taskforce, which met August 11 and September 11, and will continue to meet as needed to share information and support our industry.

The goal is to provide accurate, timely and responsible information to our local industry, anticipate and minimize negative impact H1N1 may have on our industry.

Members: SACVB, San Antonio Tourism Council, San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association, San Antonio Restaurant Association, City of San Antonio Aviation Department and Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Department.

Also on the committee is the Tourism/Hospitality liaison for Metro Health Steve Barscewski.  {stephen.barscewski@sanantonio.gov phone: 210-207-4079}

Metro Health is proactively planning to protect the local community through community vaccination efforts as soon as the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine becomes available and is also strongly encouraging the public to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination as well.

Media messages, marketing items and communications plans have either been developed or will soon be underway by Metro Health to widely promote preventive measures, i.e. cover your cough, wash your hands, stay home if you are sick, to local residents and visitors.

GENERAL POINTS FOR THOSE IN OUR INDUSTRY

INFORM
     Provide accurate, timely information to your organization. 
     Refer to, and make available, resources (weblinks, signage posted at appropriate 
         places, collateral, etc.).
     Metro Health Flu Hotline: 210-207-5779  http://www.sanantonio.gov/health/ 

Texas Department of State Health Services  www.texasflu.org

Federal Government  www.cdc.gov and/or www.flu.gov 

PLAN
     Encourage every organization in your association to:
          Assess workforce continuity planning.  Such as succession planning, telecommuting,  
          alternate work sites, etc. as appropriate for your business.
     Refresh contact lists, and internal communications processes re illness, absences, etc.
     Review programs/events over next several months.
     Develop contingency planning for potential high absenteeism.
     Be ready to communicate to employees, clients, guests, customers if needed.
     Revisit with staff your internal procedures for handling visitors who become ill. 

PROTECT
     Seasonal flu shots – available now.
     Be familiar with your organization’s plans, resources, coverage of seasonal flu shots and
        H1N1 vaccination, and communicate that to employees.

ANTICIPATE
     H1N1 Vaccinations – begin in October.  

        Priority groups:
           Pregnant women 
           Health care workers and emergency medical responders 
           People caring for infants under 6 months of age 
           Children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years 
           People aged 25 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions

IMPLEMENT PRECAUTIONS 

     Use good “cough/sneeze etiquette” – cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or inside 
        of your elbow.
     Wash hands with soap and water often. If unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
     Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 
    Stay home if you are sick. CDC recommends isolation for at least 24 hours after your
        fever is gone (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).
    Stay informed of public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and
        other social distancing measures.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY SUPPORT

US Travel Association is the lead organization on H1N1 from a national perspective, and is the voice of our industry to media and legislators. Their website carries information on H1N1 as it relates to the hospitality industry, and provides helpful resources.

http://www.ustravel.org/pressmedia/swine_flu.html 

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