Cablegate: Pandemic Influenza: Preparing for Possible

VZCZCXYZ0008
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMD #2877 3181130
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 141130Z NOV 06
FM AMEMBASSY MADRID
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 1297

UNCLAS MADRID 002877

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR A/GSSI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT ASEC AMED KFLU KSAF KSEO TBIO SP
SUBJECT: PANDEMIC INFLUENZA: PREPARING FOR POSSIBLE
SHELTER-IN-PLACE

REF: STATE 177681

1. In response to reftel request (para 10), Post has issued
a management notice informing all employees and their
families of the need to prepare for a potential influenza
pandemic. This management notice advised employees to
stockpile supplies of food, infant formula and water, and
other important items, for at least two weeks. The two week
duration reflected the Department of Health and Human
Services Guidelines for the United States, where the basic
services infrastructure is similar to that in Spain.

2. Information about Avian Flu has been provided during
periodic Town Hall meetings and the MED Avian Flu DVD has
been made available to both Mission staff and the wider
American community. Post will continue to emphasize during
our Town Hall meetings reftel cable objective to improve
preparedness.

3. With regards to additional steps recommended in reftel
cable:

-- To encourage the maintenance of personal hygiene,
Management will procure additional alcohol, hand sanitizers,
and dispensers for workplace and public areas in the embassy.

-- Post will continue to improve our planning according to
new incoming information. We will initiate efforts to
stockpile additional fuel and spare parts for our motor pool.
We will also stockpile spare parts for our generators, HVAC
systems, computers, phones and other vital equipment. We
will also explore revising procedures to ensure the cleaning
of the facilities and equipment during critical periods.

-- Post already has the ability to provide potable water for
8 weeks with normal use, and up to 12 weeks or more with
restricted use.

-- Health Unit has already advised Mission staff to secure
one year supplies of needed medication.

-- Health Unit continues to maintain local medical and
public health liaison and has on hand appropriate stocks of
antiviral pandemic medication and PEE equipment.

-- Following London RMO,s instructions, the Health Unit has
provided additional advice to employees. Employees have been
encouraged to wipe the surfaces of their working areas with a
paper towel, soap and water on a regular basis. These areas
include their computers, keyboards, and telephone receiver.
The Health Unit has distributed this information while
reiterating previous advice regarding hand washing and cough
barrier methods.
AGUIRRE

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