FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2006

Pandemic Flu Preparedness Exercises to be held in the Upstate

COLUMBIA — Pandemic influenza tabletop exercises will be held in Cherokee, Greenville, Pickens and Spartanburg counties this month to determine how well communities are prepared to address issues brought on by pandemic influenza, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.

"The exercises are designed to test city and county plans for their operations during a pandemic event when many of their employees may be unable to work due to illness," said Christy Caruso, DHEC's Public Health Region 2 preparedness director. "Exercises like these help to identify their plans strengths and weaknesses as well as helping determine what changes may need to be made."

Caruso said leaders of local government, businesses, faith organizations, healthcare providers and schools will participate in the exercises.

For more information about local pandemic influenza tabletop exercises contact Miriam Hart at hartmc@dhec.sc.gov or call 864.596.2227 ext. 229.

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For more information:
Elizabeth McArthur (864) 596-2227, ext. 269
mcarthea@dhec.sc.gov
MCANR0003

NOTE TO EDITORS AND REPORTERS:

Reporters may observe the tabletop exercises on the following dates: