Pandemic BC Execution Stage 5 & 6: Restoration-Return

Stage 3 & 4: Restore-Return (WHO Stage: Transition)

The restoration-return phase of the Pandemic Alert for the country indicates the containment of the spread. During this phase, there will be a declining number of infected patients being discharged from the hospital. There may be cases outside the country, but no new (or very few) cases in the country for a particular period.

Of course, there is nothing stopping the WHO phase from reverting to an earlier stage if suspect cases make it into the country via eased measures. As we have seen with COVID=19, a country that has made it to the Restore-Return stage (like Singapore) at least for a time is still susceptible to neighbours and other nations that have not reached the same stage.

The country’s health authority will inform the general population of the successful containment of the spread. If the disease outbreak is still prevalent in other countries, the authority will prepare for a possible second wave of infection. However, if this is the tail-end of the disease outbreak, the WHO will make the announcement.

Stage 5 & 6: Restore/ Return to Normalcy

This BCP stage takes place after the first wave is over and in preparation for the second and subsequent waves. Another possible condition is the tapering down of the global disease outbreak. It starts with the restoration of “abandoned” infrastructure and “neglected” business relationships. When the disease outbreak is over, the organisation will begin to return to normalcy.

Work Steps: Restore/ Return to Normalcy

Local Government

• Activate stand-down of government and inter-agency processes through media communication.
• Expedite the recovery of population health, where impacted by the disease outbreak, disease outbreak management measures, or disruption of normal services.
• Secure vaccine (if available) and protect the population by vaccination. The vaccine will be prioritized based on the most vulnerable to the least vulnerable (In the case of a virus like COVID-19, the elderly will get it first).
• Communicate with and reassure the general population of the return to normalcy.
• Conduct wash-up in public places.
• Disseminate new procedures and plans for the restoration phase.

Business

The primary goal of the “return to normal” stage is to restore normal operations at the primary site. The tasks are as follows:

• Operational and Business Continuity
• Conduct debrief and enhancement of the recovery organisation.
• Update and disseminate new procedures and plans.
• Conduct additional training and exercises.
• Prepare for a possible subsequent wave of Infectious Disease.
• Restore structure and contents.
• Migrate operations back to the primary site.
• Re-establish normal operations.
• Complete post-restoration review.
• Resumption of all business functions.
• Communication
• Communicate detailed plan to restore the organisational capability.
• Personnel, Health, and Safety
• Resume HR and compensation policies.

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	Reference Guide Goh, M. H. (2016). A Manager’s Guide to Implement Your Infectious Disease Business Continuity Plan, 2nd Edition. GMH Pte Ltd.