H1N1 Update

September 1, 2009  

HMECU is committed to your financial stability and that includes providing you with secure and convenient access to your accounts – even during times of unexpected emergency situations, such as a significant outbreak of the H1N1 Influenza virus.

The Ontario Ministry of Health predicts more than one in three Ontarians could get H1N1,  more than triple the number who get seasonal flu each year. This could start as early as this month as children return to school, creating the ideal conditions for the virus to spread.
Other experts predict the spread of the virus will be less than predicted and yet others are predicting it will be much worse. HMECU is not taking any chances.

We have established an Influenza Planning Team, made up of senior credit union managers that is actively following the influenza situation and will provide further information as it becomes available and as it applies to our members and staff.

HMECU has a flu pandemic business continuity plan in place. The plan includes procedures to communicate information to you as well as strategies to ensure continued (albeit limited) branch access for members. In addition the plan ensures that our self service systems such as our internet banking web site (CU-Net), automated phone line (CU-Line) and our ATM network remain in service and available to members.

In the event of a serious outbreak of the flu virus HMECU has plans in place to deal with the following set of pandemic assumptions. These assumptions follow industry best practices for pandemic business continuity planning:

HMECU’s Influenza Pandemic Planning Assumptions

• The impact of a pandemic would likely be widespread, even global, and not localized to a single area. Therefore, little outside assistance may be available.

• All businesses are likely to be confronted with up to 50 percent absenteeism, as many workers become ill, stay home to take care of children or family members or refuse to come to work.

• 15 to 35 percent of the workforce is likely to become ill at some time during the 8 weeks of a pandemic wave.

• The workplace attack wave follows a pattern similar to that expected in the general population.

• Every person who becomes ill is likely to miss seven days of work.

• There is a 100 percent additional absence rate – that is, for every person in the workforce who gets ill, another does not come to work because of the need to look after a spouse or children, or a disinclination to travel or work.  

HAND WASHING

Hand washing (with soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic hand wash) is the single most effective measure to reduce risks of transmitting infection. Members who visit our branches will notice that we have hand sanitizers available for use at several locations throughout the office. Please clean your hands when entering and existing the office.

The following sources provide comprehensive information about H1N1 and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/index-eng.php

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php

Ontario Ministry of Health
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/updates/archives/hu_09/swine_flu.html

City of Hamilton Public Health Dept
http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamiltonalerts/09-04-27th.htm

In the event of a serious outbreak of the H1N1 virus please check our web site for up to date information about our branch services.

If you have any questions or concerns e-mail us at info@hmecu.com or call any of our branches