Swine_Flu.jpg (Image via josh_bomb.)

The WHO has raised the alert level to ‘Phase 4,’ and unlike the color-coded TSA system, this actually means something. Remember, no cases have been confirmed in King County. And this may or may not become a more severe outbreak. I’m posting this so you know what to expect if this becomes a pandemic that affects King County.

From King County Public Health’s pandemic flu plan, appendix D2 [pdf].

Phase Level of Influenza activity in King County Possible PHSKC Response Actions
4 Limited human-to-human transmission of novel influenza virus abroad; small number of local cases may begin appearing, however all are either imported or have clear epidemiologic links to other cases. *Isolation of all cases
*Quarantine of close contacts
* Recommend KC residents defer travel to countries or areas of the U.S. impacted by the novel virus, as per CDC guidance
4 Limited human-to-human transmission of novel influenza virus in King County; a small number of cases appear without clear epidemiologic links to other cases and / or increased occurrence of influenza among close contacts *Isolation of all cases
*Quarantine of close contacts
* Recommend KC residents defer travel to countries or areas of the U.S. impacted by the novel virus, as per CDC guidance
* Recommend KC residents avoid close contact with other persons to the extent possible by curtailing travel and non-essential contact with other persons.
5 Sustained novel influenza virus transmission in King County with a large number of cases identified * Isolation of all cases
* Close public and private schools (K-12), and licensed day care centers
* Limit social interaction at colleges, universities, and libraries
* Direct government and businesses to implement emergency staffing plans
5 Rate of infection continues to increase following school and child care center closures and social distancing in government agencies and businesses. * Close theaters, stadiums, community centers
* Cancel all large public gatherings
* Limit social interaction at houses of worship
* Recommend mass transit be used only for essential travel

Jonathan Golob is an actual doctor.

15 replies on “Phase 4, Phase 5 and King County”

  4. Recommend mass transit be used only for essential travel

    Only at the second level of phase 5? So clearly the powers that be at King County Public Health have never ridden public transit. I’ll be damned if even half of Metro riders ever cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze. Just yesterday I had the misfortune of sitting near a woman who coughed throughout the entire ride and never once covered her mouth.

    If we start getting significant numbers of confirmed cases here, I’m walking everywhere.

  5. I am so riding my bike to and from work until this is over….

    Seriously, if it DOES hit King County it’ll be on an express bus heading to the U District.

  6. Is this considered an “act of god”? If my work has to close, I don’t know if I’ll get paid like I did when the snowpocolypse of ’08 happened. :p

  7. How many governmental departments and local businesses have emergency staffing plans? How will the limitations of social interaction be enforced?

  10. We need to fine and/or imprison meat eaters for their selfish behavior that is, once again, costing lives and threatening humanity. At least their children should be taken away. Is it possible to prosecute these immoral people for mass murder?

  12. Hahaha. For the first time since she started trolling here, I actually agree with Loveschild. That pic is hysterically funny.

  14. I wonder if the reason why the flu has been (so far, at least) milder here than in Mexico City is because our air is so much cleaner. Mexico City is nasty – or at least it was the last time I was there. I got a headache just from sitting still there.

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