SEMP Viral (Respiratory) Pandemic Sub-Plan

Purpose and scope

The State Emergency Management Plan (SEMP) Viral (Respiratory) Pandemic Sub-Plan (the plan) outlines the arrangements for managing the consequences of pandemics caused by respiratory viruses in Victoria. This plan is activated in conjunction with the arrangements set out in the SEMP Health Emergencies Sub-Plan (HESP).

This plan supersedes the Victorian action plan for pandemic influenza (2015).

Audience

The audience for this plan comprises Victorian Government and agencies, bodies, departments, and other organisations within the Victorian health sector that have roles and responsibilities in the management of a viral (respiratory) pandemic.

Given the dynamic and interdependent nature of the Victorian health system, it is vital that all relevant entities follow this plan to ensure the coordinated and effective management of a viral (respiratory) pandemic health emergency.

Community sectors, community service organisations, and individuals may also find the contents of this plan informative.

How to read this document

This plan is activated in conjunction with the arrangements set out in the SEMP Health Emergencies Sub‑Plan (HESP) and should be read in conjunction with the State Emergency Management Plan.

Plan preparation, approval and review

The Department of Health coordinated the development of this plan in conjunction with emergency management agencies, in line with the Emergency Management Act 2013.

This plan aligns with the SEMP and was prepared in line with the Guidelines for Preparing State, Regional and Municipal Emergency Management Plans. It was endorsed by the State Crisis and Resilience Council (SCRC) on 11 August 2022.

The plan was current at the time of publication and remains in effect until modified, superseded or withdrawn. It will be reviewed and updated every 3 years in accordance with the SEMP, or more frequently, as required.