TABB Group Advises Firms Avoid Pandemic Panic, Offers 9-Step Plan Preparing for Possible WHO Level 6 Pandemic

NEW YORK & LONDON--(Business Wire)--
According to the Associated Press today, the World Health Organization warned
that the swine flu outbreak is "moving closer to becoming a pandemic," with WHO
flu chief Dr. Keiji Fukuda telling reporters in Geneva that although the virus
was not slowing, the health body was not prepared to raise its pandemic alert to
the next level, phase 5, the highest being 6. This afternoon, in commentary
published by the financial markets research and advisory firm TABB Group,
financial services firms are cautioned not to succumb to the pandemic panic
spread by media trumpeting the arrival of swine flu.

In the commentary, Alex Tabb, partner and head of TABB`s crisis and continuity
services practice, says, "the end is not near, and although swine flu does
represent a significant public threat, the nature and full extent of that threat
remains to be fully determined. Unfortunately, the media impact is already being
felt. Turn on the TV and radio, check online news sites` headline pages and open
email news blasts. Media coverage can best be described as helping create a
'pandemic panic.'"

The question, adds Tabb, "is what firms do to combat the potential swine flu
pandemic once you dial down the fear and allow cooler heads to prevail?" TABB
Group offers a nine-step plan for firms to use in preparing for a possible phase
6 level pandemic, the highest level on the WHO scale, to assist in identifying
the potential impact of a pandemic and mitigating its affects:

1
Do not panic: The presence of a new strain of flu does not mean that
the world is coming to an end. Flu
pandemics occur on average once every 25 to 30 years. The last
major one occurred in 1968, and while they do occur, not every flu
pandemic gives rise to a national emergency. Before making rash
decisions, consult with an expert, validate your information and
ensure that you are acting on reliable information, not cultural
zeitgeist and media palaver.
2
Educate your team: Explain how they can do to protect themselves by
washing their hands, the best defense in contracting the disease;
covering their mouth when sneezing; and understanding symptoms
correctly.
3
If you have a plan, test it: This reinforces a firm’s commitment to
taking issues associated with pandemics seriously. Test
baseline-planning assumptions to determine and ensure they remain
valid. Demonstrate your commitment to the continuity of the business.
4
No plan? Develop one: The great
pandemic of 1918 lasted over 18 months, and while there is no
indication that this pandemic will last as long, time is one your
side. Pull together a team of operations, logistic, technology and
planning experts and begin developing a business
continuity plan.
5
Communicate: Firms survive or fail based on their ability to
communicate prior to, during and following a crisis. Communicate to
staff and customers, ensuring they understand a plan is in place and
their assets are safe and accessible.
6
Use technology effectively: Understanding your technical footprint is
critical to gaining a clear understanding of what can be realistically
accomplished.
7
Understand what can be accomplished: Maintain a flexible approach to
telecommuting. Firms with a distributed work environment are more
likely to operate, maintaining the status quo during a pandemic.
Unfortunately, whether it has to do with technology, compliance or
logistics, not every firm’s business lends itself to telecommuting or
a distributed work environment. Understand what can be accomplished in
a short amount of time, then plan realistically to succeed.
8
Know your next step: Being caught “flat footed” is not an option.
Think about future contingency plans.
9
Again, do not panic: Panic can lead to poor decision-making. If an
incorrect decision is made, stop, reassess the situation and readjust
your course.

"Anyone following local, regional, national and international news during the
past 48 to 72 hours would be hard-pressed not to believe that Death, the Fourth
Horseman of the Apocalypse, is about to arrive at your doorstep, demanding his
toll. Avoid the media hype, pay attention to proper hygiene, plan for the
continuity of your business and know that the end of life as we know it is not
just around the corner and the only thing that remains is to turn out the lights
and wait for the end," cautions Tabb.

Alex Tabb is an expert in international affairs, with specialization in the
developing world, crisis management, international security, supply chain
security and travel safety and security. He joined TABB Group in October 2004
from Kroll Inc., the international risk consulting company, where he was the
associate managing director of their Security Services Group.

TABB`s nine-step plan can be accessed by TABB Group clients, pre-qualified media
and can be made available to the public. Visit http://www.tabbgroup.com or write
to info@tabbgroup.com.

About TABB Group

TABB Group is the financial markets industry`s only research and strategic
advisory firm focused exclusively on capital markets. Founded in 2003 and based
on the proven interview-based research methodology of "first-person knowledge"
developed by founder Larry Tabb, TABB Group analyzes and quantifies the
investing value chain from the fiduciary, investment manager, broker, exchange
and custodian, helping senior business leaders gain a truer understanding of
financial markets issues. For more information, visit www.tabbgroup.com.

martinrabkinink
Martin Rabkin, 914-420-5739
mrabkin@martinrabkinink.com

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