WASHINGTON—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the Bush Administration's Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza: "The administration's Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza highlights the importance of planning and preparing now for the potential threat of a pandemic. The Bush Administration takes this threat seriously, and it is taking precautionary measures to prepare and respond to the possibility of a pandemic.
"This plan will also help to inform businesses about steps they should be considering to help minimize the economic impact of a pandemic on the U.S. and global economy.
"Businesses that take action today will be better prepared to protect their businesses and their employees.
"I encourage all businesses to take action and immediately begin developing their own preparedness plans. Additional information and guidance is available at www.pandemicflu.gov."
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
