Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. executive order, January 1, 2006

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2006. _ Maryland State Pandemic Influenza Coordinates Committee WHEREAS, Flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time; WHEREAS, Health professionals and others are concerned about the continued spread of the highly infectious avian H5N1 virus and the potential for a pandemic influenza outbreak; WHEREAS, A severe pandemic influenza outbreak would adversely affect the daily and long-term activities of the State of Maryland and its residents, including health care, human resources, public safety, education, and essential services; WHEREAS, Comprehensive preparedness for the potential of a severe pandemic influenza requires communication, planning, coordination and preparation by all levels of government, the health care community, residents, and other stakeholders to assure the maximum protection possible; WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, recommend the creation of a Pandemic Influenza Coordinating Committee to address the need for the impacts of a pandemic; WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control has awarded $1.8 million to the State of Maryland to develop, implement, execute and evaluate a strategic and operational plan; WHEREAS, The Health and Medical Committee of the Governor’s Emergency Management Advisory Council recognizes the need for broad and comprehensive coordination in planning and responding to a pandemic influenza outbreak; and