WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsSwine flu could damage economy and cost jobs, too

Swine flu could damage economy and cost jobs, too

MADISON (WKOW) -- Forget the face masks and stethoscopes, UW researcher Vicki Bier uses calculators to study the spread of the Swine Flu.

She says public health professionals, businesses, and local governments need to consider how a health emergency can threaten jobs.

"Everyone has a reason to be concerned," says Bier, who recently lead a team that prepared an 80-page report on the economics of pandemics.

She studied how health emergencies impact schools, business, and industry.

For example, imagine what would happen if the government ordered public venues, like Camp Randall, to close.

The university would lose ticket revenue.  Nearby bars and restaurants would lose customers.  It could escalate into a domino effect as other venues also closed and industries lost money.

"Suddenly, those people are going to be out of work," said Bier.

She says her research suggests Wisconsin counties that rely heavily on tourism would be hardest hit.  She also says low-income workers could suffer most from temporary lay-offs, since they're less likely to have savings.

Her ideas?

Extend sick leave benefits to more workers. 

Offer a utility shut-off moratorium during a public health emergency.

Start disaster unemployment programs for workers laid-off during pandemics.

Of course, the swine flu is a long way from a true economic emergency. 

However, Bier says now is the time businesses and government agencies need to prepare for all consequences of a pandemic -- not just health consequences.

To read Vicki Bier's full 80-page report from the UW's website, click here.

Email Dan Cassuto at dcassuto@wkowtv.com