Continued from previous page Review all national/territorial/sectoral/agency hurricane-related plans for Preparedness, Response and Recovery and ensure that mitigative strategies for dealing with the COVID-19 crisis are included as updates in the plans for all phases of the Disaster Cycle Direct all public sector entities (Ministries, Departments, Public Companies, Executive Agencies, Statutory Boards and Public Corporations) to prepare or update their Business Continuity Plans. The plans should include guidelines for dealing with both hurricane Recovery and the COVID-19 crisis; among other hazards and threats. Ensure also that the plans are based on and aligned with the national guidelines for both hurricanes and COVID-19. Finalise the documents by July 15th, 2020 Pay close attention to any personnel who will be required to assist in emergency medical response, front-line health care, search and rescue and shelter management. Ensure that they are aware of their higher levels of risks and the need for them to be vigilant with regard to COVID-19 so that they can reduce the risks to co-workers if they will be involved in internal organisational post-hurricane Recovery Create an integrated and harmonised, multi-dimensional public awareness strategy for hurricane preparedness and COVID-19 Ensure that any specialised COVID-19 quarantine facilities can be easily “stood up” or made ready at very short notice for the duration of the hurricane season. Fine-tune or reactivate contact tracing arrangements for COVID-19 Ensure that there is a stockpile of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all front- line personnel. Remember that front-line personnel for post-hurricane Preparedness will be a broader and possibly larger group than for the original COVID-19 response Make warehouse management policies COVID-19 response-compliant Make sure that key personnel receive COVID-related hurricane training Continues on next page Churches in The Bahamas were not spared Hurricane Dorian’s wrath. (Photo by Fr. Bowe) 5
6 Publizr Home