Re: H1N1 Global Pandemic

At Eastman, we are closely monitoring the global spread of H1N1 flu outbreaks through the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The WHO has now raised its alert to the highest level, declaring an H1N1 global pandemic. However, increasing the alert does not mean the virus is deadlier or more dangerous. Instead, the Level 6 alert indicates the flu virus has now spread to more countries. The H1N1 virus continues to be treatable with medications and those who have been diagnosed with the illness continue to respond well to treatments.

At Eastman, we have in place a Corporate Pandemic Preparedness Plan, which helps guide our actions in responding to such outbreaks.  We have activated the plan, which includes measures to maintain business continuity including IT, financial, manufacturing and supply chain functions.

We have issued global employee communications to let our people know that the company is monitoring the situation and to observe good hygiene practices as preventative measures. As a global company, Eastman is also following any requirements by individual countries where we have offices and manufacturing sites.

Our Corporate Pandemic Preparedness Team will continue to monitor the situation and determine next steps as needed.