On 18 March 2020, the Governor-General declared that a human biosecurity emergency exists regarding the listed human disease ‘human coronavirus with pandemic potential’ (COVID-19) (section 475 of the Act).
The human biosecurity emergency period is currently in force until 17 September 2021, and can be extended under the Act.
The Australian Border Force may grant a travel exemption to an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, The person will be required to demonstrate that they have a compelling reason for needing to leave Australian territory.