Exercise Schedule

1. This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

2. Exercise Schedule • 9:30-9:45 Introductions and Welcome • 9:45-10:00 Overview • 10:00-11:15 Script # 1 • 11:15-12:30 Script #2 • 12:30-1:00 Lunch • 1:00-2:15 Script # 3 • 2:15-3:00 Review/Hotwash • 3:00-3:15 Evaluation This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

3. Introductions • Please introduce yourself and the agency and role you represent. This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

4. Player Handbook Overview • Overview • Participant List • Script # 1 • Script # 2 • Script # 3 • Hotwash/Evaluation • Reference Materials This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

5. Goals of the Exercise • Providekey local decision makers and community leaders with a forum for exchanging information about policy issues pertaining to the closure of K-12 level schools in the State of Minnesota as a possible pandemic influenza containment measure; • Facilitate planning at the local level and assess the impact of school closures as a potential means to counter a pandemic influenza outbreak; and • Provide valuable feedback for policy formulation at all levels of government. This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

6. Objectives • Provide an opportunity for state and local decision makers to formulate community containment preparedness policy • Raise awareness of the impact of school closings as a potential means to counter pandemic influenza. • Increase the understanding of the responsibilities of all participating agencies This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

7. Objectives, cont. • Determine the adequacy of current plans to address school closings. • Identify the gaps in coordination between agencies • Promote continued planning and refinement of current plans • Promote the understanding of inter-related decisions and concomitant results. This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

8. Exercise Ground Rules • Active participation is encouraged • Keep the discussions at a “policy level”. • This exercise is focused on policy issues not procedures. • Don’t become over involved in the details of the scenario. • Discussions should be focused on the local/regional level and should be brief. This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

9. Exercise Organization • Five target area tables: • CRI (Dakota County) • Urban (Olmstead County) • Suburban (Carver County) • Rural (Carlton and Douglas County) • State • Three separate scenarios based on three video clips provided by the CDC. This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

10. Exercise Organization, cont. • Background information provided based on Executive level Avian and Pandemic Influenza Tabletop Discussion held on September 27, 2006. • Specific, predetermined discussion points. • Large group summary, hotwash and next steps. This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

11. Overarching Background • Avian Influenza • Human Influenza • Pandemics • Planning assumptions • 1918-like situation • Public Health Interventions • Anti-viral medication and Vaccines • Non-pharmaceutical Interventions This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

12. Pending Closure of Schools • Video Clip # 1 • Events • Background Information This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

13. Discussion Points • Discuss preparation for closure of schools for a potential six to eight weeks. • Discuss communication with appropriate constituencies. • Identify other organizations in the community that would be involved in the preparation period and discuss their roles. • Discuss what role the state should have during this preparation period. • Discuss which state and federal regulations will need to be addressed in preparing to close schools. This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

14. Schools are Closing • Video Clip # 2 • Events • Background Information This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

15. Discussion Points • Discuss implementation of the Commissioner of Education’s order to close schools. • Discuss audiences to whom the order is communicated. • Discuss whether there are personnel who would be essential for maintaining the physical school building during the period of closure. • Discuss what role the state should have during this period of closure. • Discuss the consequences of school closure for students with special needs including the school lunch program, special education, students with chronic health or mental health problems. • Discuss the consequences of school closure for parents and teachers. This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

16. Lunch This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

17. Schools are Reopening • Video Clip # 3 • Events • Background Information This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

18. Discussion Points • Discuss the process involved in re-opening your schools. • Discuss the challenges in re-opening the schools. • Discuss plans for behavioral health support for students, faculty, and staff who may have suffered the loss of loved ones during the pandemic. • Discuss the effect long-term closure would have on student progress for graduation. • Discuss the role the state should have during this recovery period. This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

19. Review of Small Table Discussions This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

20. Hotwash • What policy changes or suggestions would you recommend based on the exercise? • Do you have a better understanding of how the State of Minnesota would implement school closures as a disease containment strategy? • Is there any additional • guidance that you would like to give the state staff that are present? This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

21. Next Steps This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.

22. Thank you! This information is for official use only. It provides information that is public in nature; however, discretion must be taken when distributing to others to avoid fictional material from being taken out of context.