Susan,
I appreciate your thoughts regarding alternatives in case of a crisis. Your ideas can certainly be part of the plan. Crisis is not always a time where we give up the ship for less than appropriate progress. You have identified some good alternatives to the swine flu scare if it was to show up in a corporation, school or business. It may be that some functions could be accomplished through other means.
Leadership should always keep in mind that a crisis can cause panic if there isn't a plan in place. With today's media coverage of such issues as the swine flu a plan would keep people from going into panic mode. The direction needs to be actions which are dealing with the crisis in a sensible and professional manner. I have worked now in a very highly regulated and controlled environment but know that when cirucumstances arise that may be in the face of regulations or compliance that through appropriate communication and negotiation some of these regulatory criteria can be shelved for a period of time until order is restored.
Enclosed you will find a memo for directions and communication to employees conveying caring, concern and leadership.