A new variant of coronavirus Omicron has been identified in the bodies of two people from South Africa in Australia this time.
Health officials in New South Wales (NSW), Australia’s most populous state, said the two men, who arrived in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, from South Africa on Saturday evening, tested positive for coronavirus.
The virus’s genome sequence was later confirmed as an Omicron variant on Sunday.
Health officials in New South Wales said the two had no symptoms. They have been vaccinated in full dose and are in quarantine.
In addition, 12 more passengers returning to the country from South Africa have been placed in a 14-day hotel quarantine. In addition, about 260 passengers and crew have been instructed to remain in quarantine.
The new variant, identified in South Africa, has been identified in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy, as well as in Australia. Many countries are cracking down on immigrants from South Africa.
Australia on Saturday imposed restrictions on travelers to nine South African countries amid growing concerns that the highly contagious type could lead to another wave of epidemics.
