ANGELINI AND RIBLE ASK GOVERNOR TO DETAIL CONTINGENCY PLANS IF SWINE FLU BECOMES PANDEMIC


As the H1N1 flu outbreak spreads through 40 states, raising the concerns of citizens, Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini and Assemblyman David Rible, both R-Monmouth, sent a letter today to Governor Jon Corzine asking him to direct the Commissioner of the Health Department to convene a meeting of the group charged with formulating recommendations to the governor in the event that the outbreak becomes a pandemic. According to testimony on Monday at the joint Assembly hearing of the Health, and Homeland Security Committees, the recommendations for dealing with a pandemic are the responsibility of a committee to be chaired by the Commissioner of Health are forwarded to the governor for approval.

“We wanted to raise the preparedness issue with the governor after hearing testimony on Monday that the committee charged with developing a strategy for a course of action if the current outbreak becomes an epidemic has not yet been convened,” stated Rible. “New Jersey’s population is approximately nine million, and with 1.2 million doses of Tamiflu available to disburse in the state, which could increase to 2 million with assistance from the federal government, it is prudent that a proactive approach be taken that considers those numbers. A logical solution needs to be developed that addresses how the process will work.”

“The purpose of having the committee get together now and establish the protocol will benefit New Jersey not only in the event the current flu reaches a pandemic, but will also serve as a template for addressing potential health crises,” continued Rible.

Angelini and Rible’s letter expresses concern over the amount of time it would take for the members of the committee to gather and produce proposals for the governor’s consideration, which may prolong the implementation of the plan.

“Like all New Jerseyans, residents in Monmouth County are closely following this issue and looking for reassurance that the government has contingencies in place that can be executed at a moment’s notice,” wrote Angelini and Rible.

“It is really a matter of practicality and proper planning that members of the group assemble now in order to develop a strategy should a pandemic occur,” commented Angelini. “It would be unfortunate if people became unduly alarmed over this issue when we have the opportunity to let them know that a plan is in place that addresses the particulars of how the government will lead and coordinate a response. People will rest easier knowing we are as ready as we can be should this virus spread.”

A copy of the letter follows.


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May 6, 2009


The Honorable Jon Corzine
Governor, State of New Jersey
P.O. 001
Trenton, NJ 08625-0001

Dear Governor Corzine:

We are writing to you regarding the swine flu outbreak and New Jersey’s action plan should the flu spread to pandemic proportions.

Earlier this week, at a joint Assembly hearing of the Health, and Homeland Security Committees, we heard testimony regarding the current situation from both a national and state perspective.

While it is obviously a concern that 40 states have reported cases of swine flu, New Jersey’s rate of incidence to date is fairly limited. However, we are sure you agree that we must be prepared to enact our action plan immediately if this virus extends to an epidemic in our state.

During the hearing, Assemblyman Rible asked if that scenario were to occur, how the distribution of Tamiflu, the antiviral flu medicine, would be handled.

Mr. David Gruber, an official in the Division of Health Infrastructure Preparedness and Emergency Response, indicated that a major policy decision such as this would require the convening of a committee chaired by the Commissioner of Health. The committee, which is identified in the pandemic influenza strategic plan, is comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors and health and non-health segments. The group would be charged with making recommendations to you for consideration as how to proceed with treating those infected with this virus.

Based on Mr. Gruber’s comments, we are concerned that it appears a plan is currently not in place that describes how we will proceed in the event of an extended outbreak. Further, the amount of time it will take to assemble this group and produce proposals for your review may result in prolonging the implementation of the final plan.

Like all New Jerseyans, residents in Monmouth County are closely following this issue and looking for reassurance that the government has contingencies in place that can be executed at a moment’s notice.

Therefore, we ask that you direct the Commissioner of the Department of Health and all other relevant parties to gather immediately to formulate and outline a strategy that describes how the state will proceed in the event of a swine flu pandemic.

We believe proactive measures that can be put into place at a moment’s notice will provide people with confidence that New Jersey is prepared should this flu spread.

Sincerely,

Assemblyman Dave Rible
11th Legislative District

Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini
11th Legislative District