Timing is everything

In yesterday's column I warned that, if a pandemic happens, you will be on your own. I've also warned that the supply chain may break down, and that the global economy is at risk. Today two news items appeared that seem to back up my contentions.


WASHINGTON A federal health official has warned a gathering of mayors that they cannot expect the federal government to save their cities in the event of a bird flu pandemic.

Read the entire AP article




And then there's this from the World Economic Council's report issued in Davos, Switzerland today. As reported in the Guardian Unlimited :

Avian flu has the potential to develop into a global pandemic that would be as devastating as the Black Death of the 14th century, the World Economic Forum warned yesterday in its assessment of the risks threatening stability and prosperity.

In a worst-case outcome, experts charged with weighing up systemic dangers said there might be riots to gain access to supplies of vaccines, a collapse of public order, a partial flight from the cities and large-scale migration.

Read the entire article


While no one knows if Avian flu will turn into a pandemic, the world suddenly is taking notice of the dangers, and concern is spreading through the highest levels of government and business.