Global Pandemic

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Exercise Info
Type
Tabletop
Format
Tabletop
Scenario
—
Category
Workforce Disruption
Complexity
Moderate
Duration
180 min
Scheduled
2026-06-12
Injects
11
Scenario Overview
Barwon Water, a major regional water utility provider, is facing an unprecedented challenge as a rapidly spreading new variant of a global pandemic emerges. The pandemic primarily affects urban areas in Victoria, Australia, leading to a significant portion of the workforce being unable to report to work due to illness or quarantine measures. As the situation unfolds, the organisation struggles to maintain critical water supply and wastewater management services. Key services are at risk due to workforce shortages, and there is mounting pressure from regulators and the media to ensure continuity of essential services. The crisis management team must navigate the complexities of reduced staffing while managing external communications and stakeholder expectations.
Aim
To evaluate Barwon Water's preparedness and response capability in managing workforce disruptions due to a global pandemic.
Learning Objectives
  • Test the activation of the Crisis Management and Business Continuity Plans within 30 minutes of a pandemic alert.
  • Validate the effectiveness of internal and external communications during a workforce disruption scenario.
  • Assess the ability to maintain critical water supply and wastewater management services with a reduced workforce.
  • Evaluate decision-making processes for transitioning from response to recovery phases during the pandemic.
Participants
None recorded.
Team Presentation URLs

Share these links with each team before the exercise. Each URL shows only that team's injects.

alpha Team
QR alpha http://www.res-test.online/exercise/166/present/alpha
bravo Team
QR bravo http://www.res-test.online/exercise/166/present/bravo
charlie Team
QR charlie http://www.res-test.online/exercise/166/present/charlie
All Teams / Facilitator View
Master Scenario Events List (MSEL)
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#1 Pandemic Alert Notification
Responded
T+5min Activation and Initial Response Email National Health Authority → Crisis Management Team
all

Subject: Immediate Action Required: Pandemic Alert Dear Team, A pandemic alert has been issued for a new virus variant affecting urban areas in Victoria. Immediate activation of your Crisis Management and Business Continuity Plans is required. Please convene your teams and confirm activation within 30 minutes. Regards, Health Authority

Expected: Crisis Management Team convenes and initiates response.
#2 Initial Workforce Impact Report
Responded
T+15min Activation and Initial Response Teams HR Department → Crisis Management Team
all

Urgent update: 30% workforce out sick/quarantined. Immediate action needed to manage ops.

Expected: Discuss workforce management and prioritize critical functions.
#3 Regulator Inquiry
Delivered
T+35min Communication and Coordination Phone Comms Regulatory Authority → Crisis Communications Lead
all

This is the Regulatory Authority. We need an update on your service continuity plans given the workforce disruption.

Expected: Prepare and deliver a compliance update to the regulator.
#4 Media Coverage Begins
Delivered
T+50min Communication and Coordination News Bulletin Comms Local News Station → Public Video ready
all

Barwon Water faces challenges as pandemic affects workforce. Service continuity under scrutiny.

Expected: Release a holding statement and manage public perception.
#5 Operational Capacity Update
Pending
T+80min Operational Continuity Internal Memo Action Operations Lead → Crisis Management Team
all

Subject: Current Operational Capacity Despite workforce shortages, water supply is stable. Wastewater management is under strain, with potential service impacts if staff shortages persist. Urgent review of continuity plans needed. Regards, Operations Lead

Expected: Assess and adjust continuity plans for wastewater management.
#6 Ambiguous Staff Availability
Pending
T+95min Operational Continuity Sms Staff Member → HR Department
all

Unsure if I can work tomorrow. Quarantine rules unclear.

Expected: Clarify quarantine rules and communicate to staff.
#7 Stakeholder Pressure Increases
Pending
T+105min Operational Continuity Radio Comms Local Radio Station → Public
all

Reports indicate Barwon Water's service continuity is at risk due to staff shortages. Stakeholders demand transparency.

Expected: Enhance transparency in communications with stakeholders.
#8 Decision Point: Recovery Initiation
Pending
T+125min Transition to Recovery Verbal Decision Crisis Management Team Lead → Crisis Management Team
all

We need to decide if conditions are stable enough to move to recovery mode. Input needed.

Expected: Evaluate conditions and make a decision to initiate recovery.
#9 Recovery Plan Challenges
Pending
T+140min Transition to Recovery Teams Action Recovery Team Lead → Crisis Management Team
all

Recovery plans face hurdles due to unclear staff roles. Need immediate resolution.

Expected: Clarify staff roles and resolve recovery plan challenges.
#10 Final Recovery Status Update
Pending
T+155min Transition to Recovery Internal Memo Comms Crisis Management Team Lead → Executive Team
all

Subject: Recovery Status Update The transition to recovery is underway. Most services are stabilizing, but long-term staffing strategies need addressing. Full report to follow. Regards, Crisis Management Team Lead

Expected: Communicate recovery status and plan for long-term staffing.
#11 Escalating Tensions in Quarantine Zones
Delivered
T+0min News Bulletin Video ready
all

Tensions are rising in the quarantine zones as residents express frustration over unclear regulations and extended isolation periods. Authorities report increased incidents of protests and non-compliance, complicating efforts to control the pandemic.

Expected: Participants should assess the impact on operational stability and adjust communication strategies to address public concerns and maintain service con…