The Canadian government has recently advised citizens to prepare for a new virus that could be more disruptive than COVID-19. This warning comes as part of an updated guide from the Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, which outlines how to handle future pandemics. The guide focuses on a “hypothetical virus” that may cause significant challenges across the country.

What Is the Government Saying?

The updated Flu and Infectious Disease Outbreaks Business Continuity Plan Handbook warns that a future pandemic could be even more severe than what we experienced with COVID-19. This new virus might affect different age groups more harshly than the typical flu, leading to a higher number of illnesses and deaths.

Potential Disruptions

The guide also suggests that a new pandemic could disrupt daily life in several ways:

• Labor shortages: Many people may be unable to work due to illness, creating gaps in essential services.
• Supply chain issues: There could be delays or shortages in the supply of food, gasoline, medicine, and other crucial items.
• Changes in consumer demand: People’s buying habits may shift as they prioritize essentials.
• Telecommunications and banking disruptions: Services that we rely on daily could be affected, making it harder to communicate and manage finances.

Preparing for the Future

The government recommends that both individuals and businesses start preparing now. For businesses, this might mean creating or updating a continuity plan that considers the potential impact of a widespread virus. For individuals, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place for how you will manage if essential services are disrupted.

What to Expect

According to the guide, a future pandemic could come in waves, with each outbreak separated by three to nine months. These waves could last for up to two years, so it’s essential to be ready for the long haul.