University of Toronto Scarborough Campus:
Are We Prepared?
Introduction
H5N1 presents a serious concern in regard to the possibility of large scale global
epidemic. Unfortunately, relatively little attention has been given to preparing for this
possibility. Even national preparedness in terms of getting ready for a H5N1 pandemic is
lacking. It is not difficult to imagine that inadequate preparation exists on the smaller
scale as well. Every organization, whether it is a private business, a small community, or
a local school district should have plans in place for dealing with an outbreak of H5N1.
Universities are certainly no exception in this regard. Because universities are responsible
for the health and welfare of thousands of students and employees, and in some respects
are self-contained communities that host people with few if any close outside
connections, universities in particular should have well-thought-out emergency
preparedness plans in place for pandemic type problems.
The intent of this paper is to
present considerations for such a plan for the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus
(UTSC).
UTSC Profile
UTSC is responsible for the lives and welfare of thousands of people. This
responsibility is the main concern in the event of a pandemic. As of the 2005/2006
school year there were 8,719 full time undergraduate students enrolled at UTSC
(University of Toronto Scarborough, 2007). On top of this the university's responsibility
extends to an additional 828 part-time undergraduate students, 322 graduate students, 228
fulltime and 17 part time academic and/or librarian staff, and 291 fulltime and 28 part-
time non-academic staff (University of Toronto Scarborough, 2007). UTSC students and
staff occupy 25 buildings and 767 students residences (University of Toronto
Scarborough, 2007).
Pandemic Virus
Bird Flu is an influenza virus, one strain of which is technically known
as H5N1. H5N1 is an influenza strain that has...