First case of omicron coronavirus confirmed in Australia

The first two cases of infection with a variant of the omicron strain of coronavirus were recorded in Australia in the state of New South Wales. This was reported on Twitter by the local Ministry of Health.

"The New South Wales Department of Health can confirm that emergency genomic testing conducted today has shown that two foreign travelers have been infected with the novel coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 omicron," the statement said.

Both patients arrived in Australia from southern Africa on November 27 (the country of departure was not named). They have no symptoms of the disease, both have been fully vaccinated. About 260 passengers who were on the plane with the sick have been isolated and quarantined.

The agency also reminded that all arrivals in New South Wales from countries in southern Africa must be in quarantine for two weeks, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not.