Australia extended its ban on cruise ships entering Australian waters until mid-December.
The ban, including overseas travel, was announced on Thursday, September 3, by Greg Hunt, Australia's Federal Health Minister.
An emergency period of the 2016 Biosecurity Act will be extended until December 17, 2020. It was previously due to expire on September 17.
The order encompasses the entry of cruise ships into Australia, restrictions on overseas travel, the supply and sale of essential goods at international airports.
According to a statement from Mr. Hunt, "The extension of the emergency period was informed by specialist medical and epidemiological advice provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC)."
"The AHPPC has advised that the international and domestic COVID-19 situation continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk," he said.
The announcement follows Royal Caribbean's decision to cancel all of its departures from Australia and New Zealand on or before October 31.