COVID related reentry delay

[namanshah76]

My dad has green card. He left US in late Dec and is approaching 180 day limit for breaking continuous residence. He is not able to get a flight back and considering his 80+ age and health conditions, it is not safe for him to travel anyway.

Has USCIS announced any relaxation to the 180-day rule? Is there a way to notify USCIS of his intention to return, but inability to return due to COVID restrictions?

[R78]

He can enter within 365 days and explain his situation at the border. There will be a lot of people in similar situation and it is understandable.
It only gets really tricky after staying overseas over 1yr when a reentry permit is required.