On Thursday, June 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially raised its infectious diseases alert to Phase 6 – its highest level. It is important to note that the phases are not declared by the number of people affected by the virus nor does it indicate the severity of the illness. Phase 6 is characterized by community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region of human-to-human transmission.This measure gives authorities the opportunity to continue to take the needed preventive actions and devote more resources for H1N1 flu case detection and prevention.
FedEx continues to monitor information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and WHO on the H1N1 flu outbreak closely and our safety experts remain in contact with both organizations. At the present time, leading health experts agree that cases of H1N1 influenza are no more severe than that experienced during the normal flu season.
Our safety experts have conferred with the CDC on the need for surface disinfection of FedEx packages. We have been advised that there is neither a general need nor a recommendation for any special cleaning concerning surface infection. The current measures we have implemented combined with health and good hygiene practices remain the best prevention.
As an expert in contingency planning, we will be prepared to address any potential health care issue of team members and to provide uninterrupted service to the best of our ability as the flu issue evolves. Our priority is ensuring a safe work environment for all our team members and our customers.