- guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 14 July 2009 21.31 BST
Negative-stained image of the swine flu virus taken by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Photograph: AP
Major companies have been planning for months how they might cope with a widening swine flu outbreak, but as the pace of the outbreak accelerates, smaller firms, schools and even churches are beginning to work out what to do if the virus spreads to significant numbers of people.
Companies in hotspots of infection, notably London, Birmingham and the north of England, have reported disruption, including the Sellafield nuclear plant in Cumbria, where tests were being carried out this week on several suspected cases.
The supermarket chain Morrison's has drawn up some "clear and practical" guidance for managers after discussions with the Health Protection Agency and others, according to spokesman Mark Pinnes.
"Guidance is being given to all store and personnel managers who are required to report all actual and suspected cases of the illness to our dedicated helpline, and these incidents are then evaluated case by case."
The Federation of Small Businesses says it has been trying to get the message across to its members, urging them to plan before a possible upsurge in cases in the autumn.
"There's lots of things they can do, for example make sure staff are able to work from home, and that people know how to communicate, and that they are aware when a contingency plan comes into place. But these sorts of things won't work for everyone – if you run a newsagent, say, you need someone on site," said a spokeswoman, Sophie Kummer.
Smaller firms are generally seen as less prepared, despite a warning from the Federation of Small Businesses that members should beware a sudden spike in staff absences during the autumn. For now, even in parts of the country where the virus has spread most virulently, many small firms say swine flu is currently some way down their list of priorities.
Today, the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Reverend John Gladwin, advised his diocese to temporarily end the use of holy water for fear it could pass the virus through congregations.
"Some churches have a stoup for holy water near the entrance to the church door, and people are invited to dip a finger in this, and to make the sign of the cross as a reminder of their baptism," he said. "This practice should be suspended."
Pastoral visits to the ailing should be avoided, he added, and when needed clergy should wear sterile gloves, an apron and a face mask.
While schools are no longer shut if cases of swine flu are identified, at least one, Cleadon Village Primary, South Tyneside, closed last week after the virus hit "significant numbers" of teaching staff, meaning it would remain shut until 6 September, the headteacher wrote to parents.
The Association of School and College Leaders has called for school staff to be among the first groups to receive a swine flu vaccine to prevent more such closures.
But according to one expert, the imminent school holidays could now slow down the disease's spread.
"I'm optimistic that with schools finishing this week or next, we're now going to see a lull," said Dr John Ashton, director of public health for Cumbria primary care trust. "If we get a hot August, people will be outside on their holidays, and that makes it harder for flu to spread, compared with children sneezing in a classroom."
