Responsible and Timely Ideas During the Crisis

The news continues to vary depending on the source on the first major influenza outbreak of a novel virus in three decades.  Some sources seem to indicate things are moderating while overseeing agencies such as the World Health Organization continue to urge caution.  With somewhere near one thousand confirmed cases and probably many thousands more unconfirmed cases the bug has spread to all corners of the world rapidly.  As we enter the busy promotional season with trade shows and conventions the opportunity is there to provide your clients and employees with some protection. 

Although these types of items have never been among our favorites due to the limited usability a wave of new products such as the Sanitizer In A Clip which provide a long term carrying vessel as well as the custom hand sanitizer.  Unlike other single use versions the hand sanitizer itself can be replaced over and over again.   These types of items will sterilize your hands and kill close to 99.9% of all germs when the instructions are followed.  The flu is easily transmitted via coughing as well so this is by no means complete protection but it is a significant help.  For brand recognition the Purell Sanitizer On A Clip adds a 2 ounce aloe version of the popular Purell cleaner that when empty can be replaced very quickly with any off the shelf brand but while keeping the convenient clip and printed carrier.  What we particularly like about these products is that they can be clipped to your pants or belt for use in the gym, while playing with kids or out and about on the job.

The varying data on this particular outbreak is disconcerting and probably confusing the public.  A great source of historical information on the last serious flu outbreak resides on the Centers for Disease Control page 1918 Influence: the Mother of All Pandemics.   What you will see in scanning that document is that the flu itself was no more fatal initially than the current version circulating the planet.  It was not until the following fall that people started dying in large numbers after what most scientists agree was a mutation within the virus.  Keep in mind back in 1918 it took months for the virus to span the Globe when it took only days this time thanks to modern air travel.   Although the steps being taken by public health officials may seem extreme they are acting with excess caution because they know what happened 91 years ago and do not want to repeat the same mistakes.   Basic tips still apply, if you touch a public surface do not touch your mouth face or eyes before cleaning your hands.  Make sure you and your children cover their mouths when coughing and in all cases thoroughly disinfect your hands after sneezing or coughing.  The use of sanitizer gels on plastic products is generally not recommended as their is some potential for damage but in our experience we’ve never seen it happen.  Obviously though do not use it on any type of screen and you certainly do not want to get it into your eyes.

Friday saw the release of the most recent auto sales reports.  The payment assurance plans  appear to be having a positive impact as the brands now offering them faired the best while others like Toyota lagged near the bottom.  There were rumors over the weekend that the big overseas competitors may be about to announce similar plans but there is also talk that there is a building consensus that these plans will cause great distress in teh future.