Covid Qld: Sunshine State confirmed as Aussie ‘ground zero’ for more infectious Omicron strain

An even more infectious strain of the Omicron variant set to become dominant in Australia was first picked up in Queensland, authorities have confirmed, but it’s still too early to know if it causes more severe disease.

A more infectious strain of the Omicron variant set to become dominant in Australia was first picked up in Queensland, authorities have confirmed.

The BA. 2 sub-variant of Omicron, was first identified in southern Africa and was first detected in Australia via a patient being treated in Queensland, deputy chief medical officer Michael Kidd said.

The sub-variant, according to the UK Health Security Agency, is more infectious than the original form of Omicron.

But it’s still too early to say if BA. 2 causes more severe disease than the original Omicron, or whether it will make vaccines less effective.

Australian Government Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

“Again, we’re not picking up anything that is causing concern at the moment,” Prof Kidd said.

“We do know that the Omicron variant of the virus can lead to breakthrough infections in those who’ve had two doses of a vaccine, and the booster doses provide additional protection.

“And again, this reinforces the importance of everyone getting their booster doses at three months, and particularly those who are at increased risk of severe disease – older people and people with chronic health conditions.”