Human disease (pandemic)
A pandemic is the widespread outbreak of an infectious disease. As seen during COVID-19, a pandemic can significantly impact the health and wellbeing of our community.
The Department of Health is the lead for this emergency for the Surf Coast Shire.
Why is human disease (pandemic) a risk?
A pandemic is the widespread outbreak of an infectious disease affecting a large number of people - potentially across the whole community and beyond.
As seen during COVID-19, a pandemic puts huge pressure on frontline healthcare workers and can hit the local economy hard, particularly tourism-dependent sectors like accommodation and hospitality. Locally, the mosquito-borne Ross River Fever has also needed ongoing mitigation.
Who and what is most at risk?
- People aged over 65 - around one in five Surf Coast residents - and people with chronic health conditions
- Residents in aged care, healthcare and other congregate settings
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members
- Businesses that rely on tourism and in-person trade
- People who are isolated, have limited access to healthcare, or face financial hardship during restrictions