The Australian government said the human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015, which has been in place since 17 March 2020 will be extended by an additional three months until 17 June 2021.

“The Governor General has today declared the extension of the human biosecurity emergency period, which will ensure the Australian Government has the powers to take any necessary measures to continue to prevent and control COVID-19,” the Department of Health said in a statement.

“In particular, the Australian Government continues to work closely 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,” it added.

Photo: Pacific Adventurer is one of the ships of P&O Cruises Australia