2006-11-01 A group organized by the Financial Services Roundtable, organized by high level business and industry leaders, released an interim report. Among numerous recommendations in its call for action, the report calls for expanded use of simulations to prepare for pandemic influenza. Quoting from the report:

". . . Until a live test can be conducted, DHS should explore ways to urge all establishments belonging to the DHS-defined critical infrastructure sectors to regularly simulate their pandemic plans. Ideally, these simulations should be conducted as quickly as possible. Simulations should continue on a regular basis (which could be defined by DHS) so that the establishments forming our critical infrastructure remain prepared as long as the risk of pandemic lasts."

As part of its study of mega-catastrophes, the Commission previously released a report suggesting ways to accelerate recovery after Hurricane Katrina. The second report addresses risks associated with pandemic influenza, especially identifying preparations needed from industry and government to address needs in telecommunications and other critical infrastructure.