You may have read that President Obama declared a "National Emergency" over the weekend to deal with the "rapid increase in illness" from the H1N1 influenza virus. The news release went on to say this declaration is not tied to the current case count, but was more so designated to allow the federal government more power to help states by lifting bureaucratic requirements -both in treating patients and moving equipment. I felt the timing of this announcement afforded an opportunity to distribute some additional information to you.

First, a reminder. In my email of August 27 I captioned that Carebridge, our employee assistance plan provider, had provided us with an excellent primer on the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu viruses. I urged each of you at that time to take a few minutes to read this information, print it off and share with the members of your family. You can access this important information through Key Web, Departments (Human Resources), Wellness Program, selecting the last tab, flu and pandemic planning.

I also wanted to respond to some questions I have received regarding the reporting to work guidelines to follow if a family member has a confirmed case of the H1N1 virus. I will draw from the text of the answer to this specific question as it is written on the website of the CDC - Center for Disease Control. "Employees who are well but who have a family member at home with the 2009 H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health each day, and take everyday precautions including covering their coughs and sneezes and washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after a cough or sneeze. If soap or water are not available, they should use an alcohol-based hand rub (i.e., the company provided bottle of Purell). If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home". More details of the treatment to follow should someone in your household get the flu are highlighted in the Key Web material captioned above.

We are nearing the completion of the administration of the regular seasonal flu vaccine in all office locations. The question has been asked several times if we will similarly be administering the H1N1 vaccine. That answer is quite simply, "No." However, we received this announcement from Capital Blue Cross earlier today. Employees and their family members who are covered under one of the "Blue Programs", and who receive the H1N1 vaccine from a provider on their approved registry, to include mass immunization clinics such as schools and other public venues, will be covered for the full cost of the vaccine and its administration. The cost will not be subject to any deductible, copayment or coinsurance. Non participating providers, those not on the registry, are being instructed to submit claims on behalf of the Member, but the Member is responsible for the provider's charge to administer the vaccine. Capital Blue Cross will reimburse the Member up to the plan allowance of $ 17.00 for the administration of the shot. This approach will apply to all employees in all geographic areas provided you are participating in our medical plan. So if you are participating in our medical plan, you can receive an H1N1 vaccine at no cost from a qualified provider and you can be reimbursed up to $17 for receipt from a non-qualified provider.

For employees who do not participate in our medical plan, we will provide reimbursement for up to $ 17.00 for the administration of the H1N1 vaccine. We are advised that the vaccine cost is being borne by the government, the cost for the administration is not however. If you are able to find access to the H1N1 vaccine and its administration, you may want to take advantage of that opportunity. We will help to underwrite at least part of the cost associated with your receiving the vaccine.

Anyone seeking reimbursement should send a copy of their receipt, along with a completed General Expense Voucher to Tim McNish in Human Resources. Please check with your physician or your state health department to find out where the H1N1 vaccine will be offered. The attached flyer provides the salient information for our employees residing in Pennsylvania. Thank you.

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Student exercise:

1. Is this written using the direct order or the indirect order?

2. Comment on the tone of this message. If you were an employee and reading this, how would it make you feel?

3. Do you agree with the choice of order (direct or indirect order)?

3. Re-write this document, making it as short as possible. Be ruthless and chop away as much as you can chop, leaving only the most essential meaning..