Bush era comes back to haunt us: DoD contignecies for pandempic quarantine.

[bushmeister0]

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR PANDEMIC INFLUENZA: Sep. 12 2006

If a pandemic influenza starts outside the United States, it will enter the U.S. at multiple
locations and spread quickly to other parts of the country.

• A pandemic in the United States could result in 20-35% of the population becoming ill,
3% being hospitalized, and a fatality rate of 1%.

• A vaccine (pandemic specific strain) will not be available for distribution for a minimum
of 6-9 months after the clinical confirmation of sustained human-to-human pandemic
influenza transmission.

• State, tribal and local jurisdictions will be overwhelmed and unable to provide or ensure
the provision of essential commodities and services.

• Infected people, confirmed (when possible) or suspected, will not be transported to any
facilities beyond the affected area unless their medical condition demands movement.

• International and inter-state transportation will be restricted to contain the spread of the
virus.

• Voluntary, community-based measures, such as limiting public gatherings, closing
schools, and minimum manning procedures, are most effective to limit exposure to the
disease if implemented before or at the onset of the event. Quarantine and other
movement restrictions, especially if the restrictions are involuntary, will have minimal
effect on the spread of the disease due to a very short incubation period and the ability of
asymptomatic individuals to shed the virus.

DoD Category #13: Quarantine Assistance to U.S. Civil Authorities.

When directed by the President, DoD may assist U.S. civil authorities responsible for isolating and/or quarantining groups of people in order to minimize the spread of disease during an influenza pandemic. Isolation is a commonly used public health practice for the separation and restriction of movement of ill persons to stop the spread of a contagious illness. People in isolation may be cared for in their homes, in hospitals, or at designated health care facilities. Isolation is primarily used on an individual level, but may be applied to populations. It is often voluntary, but may be mandatory. Quarantine, in contrast, applies to the separation and restriction of movement of well persons presumed to have been exposed to a contagion. Quarantine may be enacted at a home or other residential facility. It may also be voluntary or mandatory.

o DoD Category #14:

Provide Defense Assistance for Civil Disturbances. When directed by the President, DoD will provide support to civil authorities in
the event of a civil disturbance. DoD will augment civilian law enforcement efforts to restore and maintain order in accordance with existing statutes.

http://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard/pdf/DoD_PI_Implementation_Plan_August_2006_Public_Release.pdf

On a happy note, we have Obama in power who will do the smart thing, not W. who would be more likely to use an influenza outbreak as an excuse to round up Cheney's political enemies.