The prime minister will hold a security meeting later today followed by a national cabinet meeting in the next 48 hours to review the impact of the new Omicron variant - a new and more transmissible COVID-19 strain that has reached Australia.
Two passengers who arrived in Sydney from southern Africa have tested positive for the variant. Non-Australian citizens who have been in nine southern African countries of concern are currently not permitted to enter Australia.
Health Minister Greg Hunt says the government will take medical advice on travel restrictions and act as necessary. Australia is currently set to reopen to double-dosed visa holders, skilled workers and international students on Wednesday 1 December.
The government has also asked Australia's vaccine advisory group, ATAGI, to review the booster time frames in light of international evidence and the new Omicron variant. It's currently advised to have a booster vaccine six months after the second dose.
The World Health Organisation has updated information on Omicron in Arabic | Simplified Chinese | French | Russian | Spanish | Portuguese
COVID Statistics:
Victoria recorded 1,007 cases and three deaths.
New South Wales recorded 150 cases.
Quarantine and restrictions state by state:
Travel
Financial help
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
- News and information over 60 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
- Relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania.
- Information about the COVID-19 vaccine in your language.
Visit the translated resources published by NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service:
Testing clinics in each state and territory:
NSW | Victoria | Queensland | South Australia | ACT | Western Australia | Tasmania | Northern Territory |