Australia detects two cases of Omicron COVID-19 strain

Two travellers who arrived in Sydney from southern Africa have become the first in Australia to test positive for the Omicron variant

Image for reference only. Source: Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Highlights

• Genomic testing on Sunday,November 28, revealed two people who flew from southern Africa to Sydney tested positive to the variant; both were asymptomatic and fully vaccinated.
• Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT are enacting additional quarantine measures following the discovery of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which will see all overseas arrivals and household contacts required to isolate for 72 hours upon arrival.
• Non-Australian citizens who have been in nine southern African countries* of concern are currently not permitted to enter the country.

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