# 2896
Since a pandemic will represent a long-term, ongoing event - one that could last a year or more - we simply can't shut down everything and have everyone go home until the `all-clear' is sounded.
It won't be `business as usual', but we will have to find ways to continue to function as a society.
And that means that transportation of people, and goods, will have to continue. At least on a limited basis.
After all, most American cities have less than a week's food on hand. Vital resources - like city water supplies - are dependent upon the regular delivery of chlorine. Pharmacies and hospitals will need restocking, practically on a daily basis.
If transportation stops, then commerce stops.
And if commerce stops, then the impact on society would be incalculable. Basic necessities, such as food, water, and even electricity could be compromised.
While the idea of working through a pandemic may seem counterintuitive, we must find ways to to that in order to reduce the `collateral damage' of a pandemic.
The HHS has just released Interim Guidance on Cleaning Transit Vehicles and Facilities during a Pandemic, which are designed to give various industries and businesses guidelines on how to best disinfect vehicles during a pandemic event, and thereby reduce the risks to subsequent passengers.
Interim Guidance on Cleaning Transit Vehicles and Facilities during a Pandemic
- Interim Guidance for Cargo Trucking Crews for the Prevention of Pandemic Influenza
Guidelines for cleaning a truck cab after a truck arrives with a driver or helper suspected to have pandemic.
- Interim Guidance for Aircraft Cleaning When Pandemic Influenza is Suspected in a Passenger or Crew Member
Guidelines for cleaning the cabin when an aircraft has carried a traveler who is suspected to have pandemic influenza.
- Interim Guidance for Cleaning Passenger and Cargo Vessels during an Influenza Pandemic
Guidelines for individuals who are responsible for shipboard health and safety.
- Interim Guidance for Transit Station Cleaning During and Influenza Pandemic
Guidelines for employees and employers for cleaning a transit station during an influenza pandemic.
- Interim Guidance for Passenger Railcar (Transit Vehicle) Cleaning When Pandemic Influenza is Suspected in a Passenger or Crew Member
Guidelines for cleaning a passenger rail car that has carried a traveler with a suspected case of pandemic influenza.
- Interim Guidance for Cleaning International Port of Entry (IPOE) Detention Facilities When Pandemic Influenza is Suspected in a Detainee or Staff Member
Guidelines for employees and managers responsible for cleaning an IPOE detention facility that has housed a detainee or employed a staff member with a suspected case of pandemic influenza.
- Interim Guidance for Cleaning Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Transport Vehicles during an Influenza Pandemic
Guidelines for cleaning or maintaining EMS Transport Vehicles after transporting a suspected influenza patient during a pandemic.
More information on how businesses and workplaces can prepare for a pandemic can be found on the HHS's Pandemicflu.gov site, Workplace planning page.
