Cruise ban extended to Dec

CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) has acknowledged the extension of the cruise ship suspension in Australian waters (CW breaking news), and has flagged the formation of a working group with government to “progress a pathway to a carefully managed and responsible resumption of cruise tourism in Australia at the earliest possible time”.

Last night Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt announced a three month extension of the current Human Biosecurity Emergency Period, which will now be in place until 17 Dec.

The emergency period has been enacted since 18 Mar this year, and until this latest update, had been slated to expire on 17 Sep.

Hunt said the extension of the emergency period is based on specialist medical and epidemiological advice provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

He said the committee had advised that “the international and domestic COVID-19 situation continues to pose an unacceptable health risk”.

“The extension of the emergency period is an appropriate response to that risk,” the minister added.

The biosecurity declaration gives the government the power to take any necessary measures to prevent and control COVID-19, with current declarations in place covering restrictions on the entry of cruise ships into Australia and on overseas travel.

Despite the extension, CLIA “sees opportunity for a controlled and phased resumption of local cruise operations in Australia, with strict and enhanced health protocols in place”.

“While some states may still face restrictions, there is opportunity for a future resumption in states and territories where the status of COVID-19 permits, helping to restore visitation and muchneeded economic activity,” it said.