Seven new cases of Omicron variant suspected in Victoria

Seven suspected cases of the concerning Omicron variant have been detected in Victoria and at least one person was infectious in the community.

Health authorities are investigating seven new suspected Omicron cases in Victoria while contact tracing is underway for one confirmed case of the new variant who was infectious in the community.

Genomic sequencing is under way to confirm the variant for seven cases who tested positive for Covid, including four passengers on the same flight as a confirmed Omicron case and three household contacts.

If the household contacts test positive that would mark the first time community transmission of Omicron has occurred in Victoria.

The health department confirmed there are three positive cases of the new variant in the state including two people who sat together in the same row on a flight from Dubai on November 30 while the other is a returned traveller who tested positive while in hotel quarantine.

A third person who also sat in the same row has also tested positive for Covid and genomic sequencing is underway to confirm the variant.

“One of the cases positive for Omicron was in the community for part of their infectious period,” chief health officer Brett Sutton said in a statement.

“Public health actions are being implemented and exposure sites managed appropriately.”

The Department of Health on Friday revealed genetic testing for two infections found in Brimbank and Casey had shown them to be the new strain.

CONFIRMED OMICRON CASES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South Australia has recorded its first Omicron cases after SA Health confirmed two cases of Covid announced on Friday were the new variant.

It comes after South Australian authorities on Friday morning revealed they were “very concerned” the Omicron variant has seeped into the state.

Premier Steven Marshall said genome testing was under way for new overnight cases of Covid-19.

“We are very concerned about (Omicron),” he said on 5AA Radio.

“We don’t have confirmation at this stage so we’re taking it very cautiously.”

Mr Marshall said he would attend a national cabinet meeting later in the day to further discuss the newest variant of concern.

He noted that Omicron had not moved as quickly as authorities believed it would, but he said there was still limited information about it which was why they were being so cautious.

“Sometimes when you get a new case, it takes some time to get that (genome sequencing) assessment.

“We’re testing those (overnight cases) to see if they could be cases of Omicron.”

NEW OMICRON VARIANT DETECTED IN QLD

Health authorities in Queensland have declared the discovery of a “first in the world” strain of the Omicron variant as leaders continue to mull over a response to the evolving outbreaks.

National cabinet will meet on Friday to co-ordinate responses to the new Covid-19 variant as mystery surrounds the potency of the strain.

Queensland will fling open its borders to interstate travellers on Monday, but Health Minister Yvette D’Ath warned the discovery was further evidence policies would need to be flexible to respond to the evolving pandemic.

The state recorded no new community cases but two Omicron infections were detected in hotel quarantine in Cairns and Brisbane.

One of those arrived from Nigeria in the past 24 hours, with all passengers who shared the flight now deemed close contacts.

Ms D’Ath said authorities were labelling the new strain “Omicron-like” at this stage.

“This is a new variant,” she told reporters on Wednesday morning.

“Remember, it’s only been days since this has become an issue for Australia and other countries.

“And now, today, we are standing here announcing a new version of Omicron and it’s a first in the world.