Bergen County FIFA World Cup Tabletop Exercise
January 14, 2026 09:00-12:00
MRC - Bergen County Medical Reserve Corps
http://www.bergenhealth.org
Location
Bergen County Department of Health Services
Educational Learning Center 4th Fl
1 Bergen County Plaza – 4th Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Contact Information
Dawn Wilkes
201-634-2695
dwilkes@bergencountynj.gov
Public Health Core Competency Domain Information
N/A
Credits and Continuing Education Units
Public Health CE#22761: 3.00 hour(s)
Description
The Bergen County FIFA World Cup Tabletop Exercise is a facilitated, discussion-based training designed to evaluate and strengthen public health and emergency response capabilities during a large-scale international event. Participants will engage in a simulated outbreak scenario to examine coordination, communication, and operational decision-making across public health, emergency management, and public information agencies.
Participants will progress through a series of modules that guide them through the lifecycle of an emerging public health incident. Modules include initial recognition and early response, epidemiological investigation, outbreak expansion with an emphasis on crisis and risk communications, implementation of control measures, and the application of isolation and quarantine protocols. A structured hotwash and closing discussion will conclude the exercise, allowing participants to reflect on key findings and lessons learned.
Throughout the exercise, participants will assess interagency communication and coordination, develop and evaluate risk communication strategies for public and media engagement, and review disease control response protocols, including surveillance, containment, mitigation, and prevention efforts within communities and healthcare settings.
The tabletop exercise is designed to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in preparedness, existing plans, protocols, capabilities, training, and resources. Outcomes from the discussion will support actionable recommendations to strengthen readiness and ensure that current response plans remain effective and aligned with public health and emergency management practices.
Agenda/Additional Information
Presenters
Victor B. Carter
Target Audience(s)
Emergency Medical Responder
Epidemiologist
Health Officer
Public Health Planner
Nurse
Other
Infection Preventionist
Communicable Disease Investigator