Settlement Guide

COVID-19 Update: WHO suggests ‘tailored’ restrictions as Omicron variant found in more countries

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says that blanket bans do not prevent the spread of Omicron variant. Source: AAP

This is your update on the Coronavirus in Australia for 2 December 2021.

Updated 02/12/2021

By SBS/ALC Content

World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says that blanket bans do not prevent the spread of the Omicron variant but place a ‘heavy burden on lives and livelihoods’ of people. The variant has now reached 23 countries.
WHO guidance to countries states that people at a higher risk of infection should postpone travel.
NSW has a confirmed seventh case of Omicron variant. This person has not been in southern Africa and NSW Health is concerned transmission may have occurred on the flight from Doha.
Victorian Health Minister says it is ‘likely’ that the Omicron variant is already in the community. Victoria so far has no cases of this variant.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says that case numbers are less relevant now as vaccination rates are higher.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the man who tested positive yesterday in the Gold Coast was active in community during the Black Friday sales.

Victoria recorded 1,419 locally acquired cases and 10 deaths.
NSW recorded 271 new community cases.
The ACT recorded eight cases, NT one.

For measures currently in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in your language, visit here.

There are changes to the COVID-19 Disaster Payment once states reach 70 and 80 per cent fully vaccinated: Getting help during Covid-19 from Services Australia in language

Visit the translated resources published by NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service:

Testing clinics in each state and territory: