By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Australia has recorded its first cases of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant.
Genomic testing has confirmed two recent arrivals into Sydney were infected with the new strain.
“Both passengers came to Sydney from southern Africa on the evening of Saturday November 27. They underwent testing on arrival and tested positive for Covid-19 late last night,” NSW Health said in a statement.
“The two positive cases, who were asymptomatic, are in isolation in the Special Health Accommodation. Both people are fully vaccinated.”
The two confirmed cases were among 14 people who arrived on Saturday evening, travelling on Qatar Airways QR908 from Doha.
NSW Health has said that the passengers began their journey in “southern Africa”.
The remaining 12 passengers are undertaking 14 days of hotel quarantine.
NSW Health says 260 passengers and aircrew are considered close contacts and have been told to isolate.
Australia now joins Britain, Germany, South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel with confirmed infections of Omicron.