Australia expands COVID-19 emergency authority in mid-December

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Australia has announced a three-month extension of its “human biosecurity emergency authority” that will allow Australians to restrict their travel abroad in a CCP virus pandemic.

Since it will end on September 17, the emergency that has been in effect since March 2020 will continue until December 17.

Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, the government can take steps to prevent and control the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus that causes COVID-19 disease.

Emergency authority allows the government to restrict cruise ships entering domestic waters, restrict retailing at international airports, and require masks and pre-departure testing before international flights.

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Signs of the COVID-19 test will be seen on June 23, 2021 at Sydney International Airport in Sydney, Australia. (JennyEvans / Getty Images)

“The extension declared by the Governor today was notified by professional medical and epidemiological advice provided by the Australian Commission on Health Protection (AHPPC) and the Federal Chief Medical Officer,” said the Australian Federal Health Minister. Greg Hunt said. Press release September 2nd.

“AHPPC advised that the international COVID-19 situation continues to pose an unacceptable risk to public health,” Hunt’s press release said, extending the emergency period again “appropriate for that risk. “Correspondence” continued.

Emergency authority is important for Australia’s national program to move from curbing CCP virus response to preventing serious illness and death. In other words, learning to live with it.

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On September 1, 2021, men in line at the COVID-19 Vaccination Center in Melbourne, Australia read a book. (WilliamWest / AFP via Getty Images)

The leaders and prime ministers of all Australian states and territories form an intergovernmental organization, the National Cabinet. They agreed to a plan requiring state leaders to take steps to “accelerate vaccination rates” during Phase A, the current stage of the national program.pdf).

Phase B may mean that once 70% of people are vaccinated, the lock will be unlocked and the restrictions on complete vaccination will be relaxed. Phase C is triggered when 80% of people are vaccinated, and this stage may include border opening.

However, on September 1, Queensland Prime Minister Anastasia Parasek suggested a transition from national planning to New South Wales bordering the state border until children under the age of 12 were vaccinated. It has been shown that it may not open to South Wales (NSW).

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Premier of Queensland Anastasia Parasek will be seen at a press conference on August 11, 2021 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center in Brisbane, Australia. (AAP image / Darren England)

In response, Federal Treasury Secretary Josh Frydenberg said the country’s medical advice was that children were not at risk of serious illness from the virus.

He urged all state and territory leaders to stick to the national plan and at the same time open the country.

Australia is in the midst of a serious CCP virus delta variant outbreak in New South Wales and Victoria, with leaders in both states vaccinated at least 70-80% of residents with at least one dose. I refuse to lift the restriction until it is done.

On September 2, the Federal Minister of Health announced that Australia had passed 20 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Australia, thank you for moving forward in record numbers to get vaccinated. It helps protect you, your family, your community and your country,” he said. I have written On Twitter.

Caden Pearson

Caden Pearson is an Australian-based reporter with a background in screen writing and documentary. Contact him at [email protected]



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