Industry NewsEmployee News | Company News | Industry News | Book Reviews HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS Apollo Pandemic Swine Flu Advisory: September 2009 Summary: By now, everyone is aware that the forthcoming "normal" flu season will be anything but "normal" this year. In addition to annual influenza viruses which are circulating and which claimed 36,000 American lives last year, since June we have been in the midst of an influenza pandemic involving a strain of swine flu known as the H1N1 virus. It is important to recognize that a pandemic, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to an infectious virus’ world wide spread and not to its lethality. Only two to three percent of the million cases of H1N1 diagnosed world wide have been described as "serious." In other words, there is no need to panic, at least not yet, and certainly not unless or until H1N1 mutates into something significantly more deadly. Accordingly, businesses, schools, and public gatherings can and should continue their work much as they do regularly. Be alert for government announcements which may dictate changes to public gatherings if the circumstances warrant. General public health practices involving sneezing and coughing in public and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water - and not with just the now popular hand sanitizers like Purell - are seen as very important steps to reduce the transmission of this disease. Each business should inculcate in its staff the importance of good public health practices, and each business associate and family member should practice them with rigorous attention. The specific vaccine against regular seasonal flu has been manufactured and should be taken as soon as the local clinic, pharmacy, grocery store or other outlet makes it available. Specific vaccines against the H1N1 swine flu have also been developed, but these are still undergoing clinical testing. Wide spread vaccinations with these drugs will not be available until mid-October 2009 at the earliest, and it seems likely that they will be rationed (at first at least) for those deemed to be at the greatest risk from infection. This includes many of the elderly and perhaps persons with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, which might predispose them to serious difficulty were they to become infected. However, it will be young people and pregnant women who will be given the greatest priority, as these elements of the population are viewed as more susceptible to infection from the H1N1 virus. Vaccination schemes to inoculate America’s school children in their classrooms are now being drafted. New York Mayor Bloomberg announced on September 1 that all school age children - whether in the NYC public or private school system - will be vaccinated at government expense. Similar and even more extensive free vaccination schemes are being considered elsewhere in the country as well. The WHO and the Federal government are already carefully monitoring H1N1 -- both to gauge its intensity and to diagram its general spread throughout the population. Federal and state governments state that they are prepared for any eventuality - even if the H1N1 virus strikes upwards of 40 percent of the population or, in a worst case scenario, if it mutates into a more deadly and virulent form. End Summary. The Swine Flu Pandemic of 2009/2010 - The Latest of Many Pandemics have occurred intermittently over centuries. The last three pandemics, in 1918/1919, 1957/1958 and 1968/1969, killed over 40 million, two million and one million people worldwide, respectively. Although the timing cannot be predicted, history and science suggest that we will face one or more serious pandemics during this century. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been concerned that the next flu pandemic would be caused by the H5N1 strain of "avian" or bird flu. However, this virus is still waiting in the wings and has failed to mutate into a widespread, infectious virus, despite its prevalence in many countries of the world. Governments have been planning to handle an H5N1 pandemic outbreak for the past three years. Thus, when the totally unexpected H1N1 strain of swine flu broke out in Mexico in April 2009, governments were at least prepared to handle its rapid transmission around the world and, especially, into the United States. The WHO declared a formal pandemic on June 11, 2009 when clusters of confirmed cases were found in four distinct regions of the world. It has since spread to six continents. It should be emphasized that for the WHO, this pandemic designation refers to the spread of concerted clusters of an infectious disease in more than two regions of the world, rather than to the lethality associated with any particular outbreak. Low Mortality Rate - Thus far! The mortality rate of swine flu in its current form has been very low. Unlike the usual seasonal influenza viruses which generally strike the elderly with over 30,000 deaths each year (and which, it should be noted still must be vaccinated against in 2009/2010, as well as against swine flu), the H1N1 virus has tended to target young people with much greater frequency. According to the WHO Director General, only about two or three percent of persons contracting swine flu have thus far been diagnosed as "serious" cases. Even so, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are taking no chances. They expect a strong resurgence in H1N1 virus infections during the traditional flu season of the fall and winter months this year and next in the northern hemisphere. Federal, state, and local health officials state that they are prepared to handle outbreaks of the virus which, in one sobering scenario, suggests it could impact as much as 40 percent of the U.S. population, with perhaps as many as 90,000 deaths. Update on the Vaccine Situation Vaccines against H1N1 have been developed and are currently undergoing testing. They should start to reach distribution points by mid-October 2009 but will be issued to categories of individuals deemed to be most vulnerable to the H1N1 virus. There may not be enough vaccine, in the near term, to cover the entire population. Among those deemed to be the most vulnerable are students of elementary and secondary school age. Planning is underway to vaccinate students in the classroom. New York City Mayor Bloomberg announced on September 1 that all NYC public and private school children will be inoculated free of charge, once the vaccine becomes available. Up to now, some patients who have acquired H1N1 influenza have been successfully treated with the anti-viral drug Tamiflu. However, there are some indications that the swine flu virus is becoming resistant to Tamiflu and that a second anti-viral formulation may have to be used. For now, Tamiflu remains the most effective antidote to H1N1, and the Federal Government has distributed millions of doses around the country for use in case of need. In addition, the current strain of the H1N1 virus appears treatable by other antiviral drugs (e.g., oseltamivir and zanamivir). When the Flu Season Intensities: As the flu season starts to intensify, the CDC will issue and update its guidance daily in response to what will probably become a rapidly evolving situation. This will include guidance on when or if to close schools and how to care for someone who is sick at home. According to the CDC, communities, businesses, places of worship, schools and individuals can all take action to slow the spread of this outbreak by employing the following common sense health tips: 1) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Do not use cloth hankerchiefs. 2) Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Purell or any other hand-sanitizer is also a useful product to keep close at hand, but remember, these products are still no substitute for soap and water. 3) Try to avoid close contact with sick people. 4) If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. 5) If you are married or have children or others staying with you at home, develop a plan now as to how you will care for a sick dependent child or spouse, keeping in mind the importance of keeping them away from other people who might become infected, and, 6) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way. Specific Advice for Business: Several government authorities have issued advice as to how businesses should handle a severe outbreak of influenza and, in particular, how to cope with the increased absences from work which may accompany such a development. One such piece of advice comes to us by way of the Boston Public Health Commission which submitted the following suggestions when H1N1 first started to inundate Massachusetts last May. These suggestions remain relevant today and are offered below as an example of practical guidance which companies may wish to adapt to their own situations, as appropriate, once the flu season intensifies: 1) Allow sick employees who have influenza-like illness to stay home for 7 days with reassurance there will be no repercussions upon their return to work. 2) Allow employees with sick children with influenza-like illness to stay home with their children if needed for 7 days with reassurance there will be no repercussions upon their return to work. 3) Allow employees who have been out sick with flu-like illness for 7 days to return to work without a note from a medical provider (health care providers will probably be overwhelmed caring for patients with serious illness and may not have the capacity to see patients who are ill with mild symptoms), and 4) Spread a prevention message at work: Wash hands frequently; cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve; and stay home for 7 days if ill with flu. Companies which report a higher than anticipated rate of absenteeism among staff because of influenza should notify their local public health authority. The latter needs this information both to monitor the general health of the community and to provide advice to affected companies as to their best options to further contain the spread of disease. Unfortunately, there may be instances where some employees will take advantage of any liberal leave policy adopted because of an influenza emergency. Thus, companies will have to monitor the implementation of such a policy with great care. Apollo’s Response: In addition to following the advice given by government and public health authorities concerning our response to the H1N1 pandemic, Apollo is also drawing on its own Business Continuity Plan to insure that there are no lapses in our contractual obligations to provide security services. These steps include: (1) the preparation of contingency plans controlling access to properties, if instructed to do so by a client’s executive authority; (2) the drafting of redundancy plans to back-stop employees impacted by the influenza outbreak; (3) the introduction of upgraded lines of communication to keep employees and their families informed as to developments and public health announcements; and (4) the establishment of emergency reaction teams to support security officers in particularly stressed environments. More Information on Swine Flu and Ways to Combat and Contain it General information of swine flu and on government measures to both combat it and to contain it is available on numerous web sites for the CDC and Homeland Security. Our current favorite is a website introduced this month which is devoted to this topic on www.flu.gov. For companies which may want some additional advice on how to prepare for the possible repercussions flowing from a serious pandemic, Apollo has adapted a checklist from numerous government sources on actions which companies can consider adapting to fit their specific circumstances and needs. Please contact your Apollo area or account supervisor, and he or she will arrange for a copy to be sent to you. Comment: The one interesting point in talking about pandemics, generally, and about influenza, specifically, is that the June 2009 pandemic designation could last two or more years until the H1N1 virus runs its course. "You’re talking about a marathon, not a sprint, when talking about an influenza pandemic," remarked the WHO’s leading flu expert, Dr. Keiji Fukada. And one should always keep history clearly in focus, as well. The Spanish Flu of 1918/1919, with its over 40 million deaths worldwide, is the quintessential definition of a "pandemic" in the popular mind. And the first cases of this particular virus were detected in patients in British military hospitals as early as 1915. For its part, Apollo Security will continue to monitor this situation as it develops and will report on it further as warranted. End Comment. SECURITY FORCES INC. AND APOLLO SECURITY ARE AWARDED THE SECURITY OPERATIONS FOR ANHEUSER BUSCH Walpole, Massachusetts - Kenneth D. Jenkins, President, Apollo Security, Inc., is pleased to confirm that the company is providing security services for the Anheuser Busch brewery in Merrimack, New Hampshire. Security Forces Inc. (SFI), an owner/member of TransNational Security Group LLC, was awarded the contract, expanding their relationship with Anheuser Bush. Apollo, the northeast partner in TransNational Security, is providing the services locally for SFI. "We look forward to growing the relationship with Anheuser Busch by providing them with outstanding security services," said Jenkins. Adhering to the highest degree of professionalism and integrity, Apollo and SFI provide customized security services based on the needs of each client. "Our employees are trained to provide both high-end customer service and security functions," said Jenkins. Apollo Security thrives on developing and implementing solutions in a variety of environments, making them the ideal company for Anheuser Busch’s 294-acre facility. Serving the New England region, the Anheuser Busch Merrimack Brewery has the capacity to produce 3.1 million barrels of product a year and employs approximately 400 employees. Some of the brands brewed at this site include Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Light, Stone Mill Pale Ale, Busch Light, and Demon’s Hop Yard IPA. As a member of TransNational Security Group, LLC (TSG), Apollo Security is in partnership with the leading U.S. regional security companies. "Clients of the TransNational Security partners have the ability to ensure consistent high end service provided locally by the owners of the regional company ," explained Jenkins. In addition to Apollo and SFI, the other TransNational Security partners include Whelan Security (Central United States) and Universal Protection Service (Western United States). Some of TransNational’s better-known clients include Boston Scientific, Nissan, Avista, and Seagate Technology. Founded in 1990, Apollo Security has been one of the fastest-growing companies in the Northeast/Middle Atlantic region. Locally-owned and managed by a highly regarded and experienced management team, Apollo provides an extensive range of security solutions to corporations and institutions throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Maryland.. These include uniformed guard services, investigative operations, fire and life safety training, concierge/desk attendant services, intellectual property investigations, due diligence, threat analysis, and customized security training programs With affiliations worldwide, Apollo has the ability to support its clients’ national and international requirements, whether these are related to executive protection, background checks or investigative operations, site surveys for new or existing premises, or security guard services. Apollo Security’s corporate headquarters are located at 2150 Boston Providence Highway, Route 1, in Walpole, Massachusetts. For more information, visit: www.apollosecurity.com or call Apollo at: 800.640.3287. Gustin Advertising APOLLO SECURITY RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURITY AT NORTHAMPTON’S COOLEY-DICKINSON HOSPITAL Walpole, Massachusetts - Kenneth D. Jenkins, President, Apollo Security, Inc. is pleased to announce that the company has taken over responsibility for security services for Cooley-Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts. "We are very excited to be working with one of the premier medical centers in the Pioneer Valley," said Jenkins. Jenkins explained that, "...Apollo’s range of responsibilities includes patrols of the facility, monitoring access control, and supporting emergency responses." Apollo is currently the security provider for leading medical centers and hospitals throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. The highly rated Cooley-Dickinson Hospital has been providing a wide range of medical treatment services at its main campus in Northampton since 1886. The medical team also offers outpatient services, including a broad spectrum of health care, hospice, and visiting nurse services, at satellite locations throughout Hampshire and Franklin Counties. The 125-bed, JCAHO-accredited hospital was recently recognized by HCIA/Sachs and The Health Network as one of the top 100 regional hospitals in the country. Commenting on its new security partner, the Cooley-Dickinson Security Director, Brian Rust, stated that, "...it has been a pleasure having ASI as our new security vendor. The transition was seamless, and Apollo has become a real partner with the hospital. I look forward to many years of continued, outstanding support and service." Founded in 1990, Apollo Security has been one of the fastest-growing companies in the Northeast/Middle Atlantic region. Locally-owned and managed by a highly regarded and experienced management team, Apollo provides an extensive range of security solutions to corporations, hospitals and institutions throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Maryland.. These include uniformed guard services, investigative operations, fire and life safety training, concierge/desk attendant services; intellectual property rights investigations, due diligence, threat analysis, and customized security training programs A member of TransNational Security Group, LLC (TSG), a partnership comprised of leading U.S. regional security companies nationwide, and with affiliations worldwide, Apollo has the ability to support its clients’ national and international requirements, whether these are related to executive protection, background checks or investigative operations, site surveys for new or existing premises, or security guard services. Apollo Security’s corporate headquarters are located at 2150 Boston Providence Highway, Route 1, in Walpole, Massachusetts. For more information, visit: www.apollosecurity.com or call Apollo at: 800.640.3287. SCAMS AND SCHEMES "There's a sucker born every minute" is an old saying, but with the advent of the Internet, that saying has become "there's a sucker born with every e-mail scam." I've always been amazed at the willingness of people to trust someone they don't know more than one they do. Over the years, I've seen quite a few scams and schemes, but since I've had e-mail, anything I've seen in the past has been surpassed in sheer gall. The worst part is, that as incredible and unbelievable as some of these scams are, people still get taken. Recently, I received several scam e-mails. My favorite is the modern twist on the old "Nigerian Fee" scam. I received an e-mail from an IP address in France and, as with the "Nigerian fee" letters I used to receive quarterly, this sender had a bundle of money (with the Nigerians, it is usually money or diamonds) totaling about sixteen million. The money was in boxes that her husband had smuggled out of some country where he was a mercenary. She was looking for a foreign investor who was reliable and honest (like me) to move the money out of its hiding place in return for $2 million. Tempting as the easy money was, I passed and so should anyone who receives this or similar letters. I'm always amazed to learn that there are persons out there who have been victimized by the Nigerian Fee scam and I expect there will be others taken in by this one. Another recent e-mail advised me that my credit card had been charged for pornographic materials and asked if this was a legitimate charge. If it wasn't, I was to fill out my credit card number and expiration date and click on "send". If it was, I was to click on "yes". Either way, they would have had me since "yes" would have indicated they had reached a good e-mail address to which they could continue to send spam. The other option would have given them my credit card information. AOL users have been targeted with a similar scam called the "flower scam". You receive an e-mail notification of a charge for flowers through AOL. If you didn't authorize the charge, you are asked to click on a link and fill out a form. Doing so will give the sender your screen name and password and will also load a virus onto your hard drive. Best Buy, Microsoft, and EBay have been used by scammers in similar schemes. Those companies will never ask you for a credit card number, a password, or personal information in an e-mail. When you see such an e-mail, you should immediately delete it and never respond. Recently, I received a warning about the "809" scam. For this to work, you have to respond to an e-mail using an 809 area code. The e-mail may tell you that you have won a prize or have some other reason to call the number. The fact that the number starts with an "8" would lead some recipients to believe it is a toll free number. It is anything but toll free. It is a "pay per call" number and you will find yourself listening to a recording which is designed to keep you on the line. Your long distance bill will be charged up to $25 per minute for the call. Some of the e-mails even indicate that you need to call because a relative has been injured, is ill or has been arrested. That makes the hoax even crueler. Another scam using the Internet is the lottery scam. You will receive an e-mail from an overseas individual and address which appears official indicating you have won a large sum of money in a lottery. You are asked to contact the sender with your bank account information so the money can be transferred into your account. Unfortunately, the sender has a different idea for using the account information. Instead of money in, it will be money out. If you want to know more about scams that are out there, go to www.scambusters.org. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Don't open those e-mails with attachments or links unless you know the sender. |
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