It is official. The Australian government has announced the ban on international travel and cruise ships will be extended for 3 more months.
Australians will not be able to leave the country until at least December 17th, 2020 and cruise ships over 100 passengers will also continue to be banned from Australian ports.
Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed the news that the Australian federal government has banned its citizens and permanent residents from leaving the country by air or sea.
The only exceptions are for residents of another country, an offshore freight, boat, aircraft or essential worker or government official.
“The Australian Government will extend the human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015 by an additional three months,” read the official statement by Greg Hunt.
“The emergency period, which has been in place since 18 March 2020, will now be in place until 17 December 2020.”
Cruise ships carrying over 100 passengers will also be banned from docking at international ports unless the ship is in distress or the liner left Australia before March 15 this year destined for another domestic location.
The Australian government extended the ban based on advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
“AHPPC has advised that the international and domestic COVID-19 situation continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk.”
“The extension of the emergency period is an appropriate response to that risk.”
The four restrictions covered under the Biosecurity Act are in place to protect Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic said the press release:
- Restrictions on the entry of cruise ships into Australia
- Protections for the supply and sale of certain essential goods
- Restrictions on overseas travel
- Restrictions on retail stores at international airports
Last week one of Australian's favorite vacation destinations announced that they would keep their borders closed as well.
Bali Governor, Wayan Koster announced that the island would remain closed to international tourism until at least the end of December.
Australia is closed for all inbound international tourism.
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Wednesday 9th of September 2020
Ridiculous panic