Pandemic Planning and Response for State IT: "Where's My Staff?"

NASCIO today announced the release of its publication, Pandemic Planning and Response for State IT: Where's My Staff? A product of NASCIO's Disaster Recovery Working Group, this issue brief is designed to assist state CIOs and their staffs in preparing for and protecting their state IT infrastructure in the event of a pandemic crisis.

The primary focus of this brief is to provide state CIOs and other state IT leaders with an overview of the steps needed to maintain critical IT operations during a pandemic outbreak. However, said NASCIO in a release, a pandemic goes beyond just the technology aspect within an IT organization, and involves a larger-scale understanding the impact to an entire staff and the logistics of suppliers outside of the IT organization who may also experience a high employee absentee rate.

"Traditionally, IT disruptions are planned for based on anticipated disasters both natural and manmade that can physically damage facilities and equipment," said David Taylor, CIO for Florida's Department of Health, and Chair of NASCIO's Disaster Recovery Working Group. "However, pandemics are unique in that they affect an organization's workforce as opposed to its physical infrastructure and therefore require a radically different approach for recovery efforts. We are pleased to offer this very timely and critically important issue brief as a resource for state CIOs and other state leaders to help plan for business continuity in their states in anticipation of a pandemic outbreak. My hope is that it expands the dialog about where we are at, what needs to be done next, the opportunities that we have, and the challenges of the future."
JB