Preparing and Responding to Pandemic Virus

The spread of a pandemic virus can happen rapidly and its far-reaching impact can take many by surprise. Organizations, including schools, businesses, congregations, and community groups, especially can find themselves frustrated by how their missions can be halted by wide-spread illness. 

Here are several important things to keep in mind when facing the potential of a pandemic outbreak:

• For your organization, assign a person or team (if they are not already assigned) to keep up-to-speed on rapidly changing information
• Provide an easy means for that person or team to regularly update staff or your organization's membership or constituents as critical information comes to light
• Be careful to only share updates that are essential, rather than contributing to anxiety or hype
• If your organization is a school, behavioral health, or spiritual care organization, consider the ways you can provide daily senses of calm, routine, and healthy practices

​For example, in terms of healthy practices, you might consider updating or adding signage around your facility that provides access to trustworthy information (maybe dedicating a bulletin board to CDC or other reliable information, or including CDC or local government or hospital recommendations in your newsletter, etc.) and posting signs about healthy hygiene (washing hands, having tissues & trash cans readily available).

Remember, it's not just about washing hands
Washing hands is one of the number one ways to help stop the spread of viruses. That said, there are many ways to spread germs, and washing hands may not prevent illnesses from spreading. In the case where your community does become impacted, you may need to consider how your organization exercises its mission, especially whether you provide services, education, worship, or other forms of connection to your members or constituents who may become home-bound for some time.

Throughout our website you will find many resources for ways to support your constituents and we encourage you to explore them. Also, reach out if you have questions or would like additional guidance on getting prepared or responding. ​

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​Rev. Dr. Kate Wiebe serves as the Executive Director of ICTG. She is an organizational health consultant and pastoral psychotherapist. She lives with her family in Santa Barbara, CA.