Australia extends human biosecurity emergency period

6 September, 2021

Australia's Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt stated (02-Sep-2021) the human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015 will be extended for a further three months. The emergency period, which has been in place since 18-Mar-2020 to protect Australians during the coronavirus pandemic, will continue until 17-Dec-2021. This extends the four existing emergency determinations including:

  • Mandatory pre-departure testing and mask wearing for international services;
  • Restrictions on the entry of cruise vessels within Australian territory;
  • Restrictions on outbound international travel for Australians;
  • Restrictions on trade of retail outlets at international airports.

Australia continues to suppress coronavirus to minimise community transmission, as part of its four phase National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response. [more - original PR]