Western Australia’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Clare Huppatz, says there is ‘no measurable community risk’ from the returning Hondius passengers—but only because strict quarantine has been put in place. Under a federal-state agreement finalised overnight, Bullbrook Defence Training Centre has been converted back into an emergency quarantine hub capable of holding up to 200 people in negative-pressure demountable cabins. The Australian Government will pick up the tab for transport, accommodation, meals and daily PCR testing, while WA Health provides clinical oversight. The repatriates will not be allowed visitors and will undergo exit testing on day 21 before being cleared to re-enter the community. Huppatz stressed that Australia has never recorded a locally acquired human hantavirus case and wants to keep it that way. The virus’ lengthy incubation period—up to 24 days—prompted authorities to exceed the World Health Organization’s minimum 17-day guidance. Travel insurers have already updated advisories: policies issued after 11 May are unlikely to cover voluntary cruise travel to regions where health warnings are in place. Employers sending staff offshore are urged to revisit force-majeure clauses in mobility contracts, given government quarantine orders cannot be challenged under Australian workplace law.
Source: ABC News
