PANDEMIC INFLUENZA ACTION COMMITTEE PLANNING MEETING

UNCLAS RIYADH 001349 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/ARP (HARRIS, BERNDT),NEA/EX, CA/EX AND MED E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT AMED CASC TBIO ASEC KFLU KSAF KSEO KPAO SUBJECT: PANDEMIC INFLUENZA ACTION COMMITTEE PLANNING MEETING REF: SECSTATE 99088 ¶1. (SBU) Embassy Riyadh's Pandemic Influenza Action Committee held its inaugural meeting on October 5 to discuss planning and preparedness in the event that either the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, or another influenza strain, undergoes genetic changes that increase its severity, resulting in a severe pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The Committee, chaired by MGMT and the RMO and including the DCM and representatives from the RSO, POL, ECON, HR, CLO, GSO, IMO, and CON sections, developed a near-term action plan. The Pandemic Influenza Action Committee will: -- Issue a staff notice including relevant pandemic preparedness guidance from reftel for distribution to the Embassy community. The notice will clarify the role and capabilities of the Embassy, noting the Embassy's limitations in providing prophylaxis and immunizations. -- Hold a town hall meeting chaired by the RMO to address the Embassy community's questions and concerns regarding pandemic preparedness, and to provide guidance on social distancing and hygiene. -- Consult with Consular Affairs regarding the issuance of a warden message on pandemic preparedness. -- Report the findings of the Committee meeting to the next Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meeting on October 18. -- Invite a representative of the Locally Employed Staff committee to join the Pandemic Influenza Action Committee. -- Meet prior to each EAC meeting and report to the EAC. -- Update influenza tripwires in consultation with MED. -- Request the RMO to participate via DVC in Dhahran and Jeddah H1N1 preparedness meetings. -- Organize infection control training for the local guard force and other interested members of the Embassy community. SMITH