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62 <br /> <br />II. PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS: <br />A. An influenza pandemic will result in the rapid spread of infection with outbreaks throughout <br />the world. Communities across the state and country may be impacted at the same time. <br />B. Localities may not be able to rely on timely or effective mutual aid resources, State, or <br />Federal assistance to support local response efforts. <br />C. An influenza pandemic may occur in waves and last for 12 to 24 months. <br />D. Residents may be required to stay in their homes for a significant period during an influenza <br />pandemic; thus, residents will need public information, education and tools, so they are prepared <br />to take responsibility for basic needs (food, water, prescription medications, etc.) <br />E. Antiviral medication will be in extreme short supply. Administration of local supplies of <br />antiviral medication will be prioritized by KCPHD in accordance with CDC and DOH <br />guidelines. <br />F. A vaccine for the pandemic influenza strain may not likely be available for the first wave <br />following the emergence of the novel virus. <br />G. The number of ill people requiring care may overwhelm the local healthcare system. <br /> 1. KVH and clinics may have to modify their operational structure to respond to high <br />patient volumes. <br /> 2. The healthcare system may have to respond to increased demands with a decreased <br />workforce due to illness. <br /> 3. Demand for inpatient beds and assist ventilators could increase ten-fold and patients <br />will need to be prioritized for services. <br /> 4. There will be tremendous demand for urgent care services. <br /> 5. Infection control measures specific to management of influenza patients will need to be <br />developed and implemented in all healthcare facilities. <br /> 6. The health system may need to develop alternative care sites to relieve demand on the <br />hospital emergency department. <br /> 7. Emergency Medical Service responders will face extremely high call volumes. <br /> 8. The number of fatalities may overwhelm the resources of the Kittitas County <br />Coroner’s Office and funeral home. <br /> <br />H. There will likely be significant disruption of public and privately owned critical infrastructure <br />including transportation, commerce, utilities, public safety, and communications. <br />I. Social distancing strategies aimed at reducing the spread of infection such as closing schools, <br />community centers, and other public gathering points, and canceling public events will likely be <br />implemented during a pandemic.