AUSTRALIA: Country extends 'human biosecurity emergency period' until 17 June 2021
The country's government has confirmed that Australia's 'human biosecurity emergency period' will now be in place until 17 June 2021, giving them the powers to take any necessary measures to continue to prevent and control COVID-19. This represents a three month extension, which will total 15 months since the ban was first imposed in March last year. Powers currently in place under this initiative include restrictions on the entry of cruise vessels, restrictions on outbound international travel, pre-departure testing and mask-wearing for international flights.
"These restrictions can be amended or repealed if no longer needed," Hunt noted, adding that in particular the Government was continuing to work with state and territory agencies, national health committees and the cruise industry "to develop a framework for the staged resumption of cruise ships in a manner that is proportionate to the public health risk".