Quarantine (Pneumonic Influenza) Regulations 1919 (Amendment)

Overview

The Quarantine (Pneumonic Influenza) Amended Regulations 1919 (Statutory Rules 1919, No. 32) were enacted by the Governor-General in Council under the authority of the Quarantine Act 1908-1915. These regulations were introduced to address the urgent need to control the spread of pneumonic influenza during a period of significant global concern. The problem these regulations sought to resolve was the potential for the disease to spread rapidly through maritime travel, necessitating stringent quarantine measures. The policy objective of these amended regulations was to provide a more rigorous set of controls to prevent the transmission of pneumonic influenza between states, ensuring public health and safety during a critical time. The regulations established comprehensive requirements for medical inspections, written declarations, and permits for sea travel, alongside strict quarantine measures for travellers to certain ports.

Scope and Application

The Quarantine (Pneumonic Influenza) Amended Regulations 1919, issued under the Quarantine Act 1908-1915, apply to all individuals intending to travel by sea between Australian states. These regulations mandate that every person must undergo a medical inspection by a Quarantine Officer or an authorized medical practitioner on two separate occasions, with at least 48 hours between each inspection, within the three days prior to their sea voyage. Additionally, a written declaration stating that the individual has not been in contact with any case of influenza in the preceding seven days must be made before a Quarantine Officer or an authorized official. Furthermore, an official permit is required, which can only be granted by a Quarantine Officer after the individual has been medically inspected and has made the required declaration. Any person found in breach of these regulations is subject to a penalty not exceeding Fifty Pounds on summary conviction. These regulations also extend to persons under the charge or custody of another, who must comply with the stipulated requirements before being allowed to travel by sea. Individuals intending to travel to Tasmanian ports, excluding Hobart, must quarantine at Point Nepean at their own expense, subject to receiving authority from a Quarantine Officer.

Key Provisions

The Quarantine (Pneumonic Influenza) Amended Regulations 1919 (Regulation 1) outline the requirements for travel by sea between states during a pneumonic influenza outbreak. Regulation 2 mandates that any person travelling by sea must undergo medical inspection by a Quarantine Officer or an authorised medical practitioner on two occasions, with at least 48 hours between them, within the three days before departure. Additionally, they must declare in writing, in front of a Quarantine Officer or an authorised officer, that they have not been in contact with any cases of influenza in the preceding seven days, and receive an official permit for the voyage. These regulations also require persons in charge of others to ensure that those under their care comply with the same stipulations (Regulation 3). Any individual intending to travel to Tasmanian ports other than Hobart must undergo quarantine at Point Nepean at their own expense (Regulation 4). Upon request by a Quarantine Officer or an authorised officer, every sea traveller must present their permit for the voyage (Regulation 5). All persons arriving by sea at any port or place in a state from another state must remain subject to quarantine and surveillance (Regulation 6). Any officer appointed under the Quarantine Act can demand written verification from any person regarding their potential to transmit infection or their movements and addresses (Regulation 7). These regulations impose several obligations on individuals and entities. The primary obligation is for individuals travelling by sea to comply with the medical inspection and permit requirements outlined in Regulation 2. This includes submitting to two medical inspections, making a written declaration, and obtaining an official permit. Persons responsible for others must ensure these requirements are met (Regulation 3). Individuals intending to travel to Tasmanian ports, other than Hobart, must comply with the quarantine requirements at Point Nepean (Regulation 4). Furthermore, all sea travellers must be prepared to present their voyage permit upon request (Regulation 5). Those arriving by sea are subject to ongoing quarantine and surveillance (Regulation 6). Any person may be required to provide written verification regarding their health status or movements (Regulation 7). Violation of any of these regulations is subject to penalties. Regulation 8 specifies that any person found in breach of these regulations is liable to a penalty not exceeding Fifty pounds on summary conviction. This penalty applies to any individual failing to comply with the travel, inspection, declaration, permit, quarantine, or verification requirements as stipulated in the amended regulations. The maximum penalty underscores the seriousness with which the regulations are to be adhered to in order to prevent the spread of pneumonic influenza.