Two travellers to Sydney are confirmed to have the Omicron variant of COVID-19, NSW Health says on Sunday night.
Both passengers came to Sydney from southern Africa on the evening of Saturday November 27. They were tested on arrival and this came back positive for COVID-19 late last night. Both are full vaccinated and are now in isolation in the Special Health Accommodation.
The pair were amongst 14 people from southern Africa who arrived on a Qatar Airways flight. The other 12 are also undertaking 14 days of hotel quarantine in the Special Health Accommodation.
Around 260 passengers and aircrew on the flight are considered close contacts and have been directed to isolate.
"It is an offence not to comply with a Public Health Order and penalties can apply. Close contacts will be contacted regularly, and compliance checks will be undertaken," NSW Health warns.
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All travellers arriving in NSW who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Malawi, and the Seychelles during the 14 day period before their arrival in NSW must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days, irrespective of their vaccination status.
Anyone who has already arrived in NSW who has been in any of the nine African countries within the previous 14 days must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, and call NSW Health on 1800 943 553.
All travellers who have been in any other overseas country during the 14 day period before their arrival in NSW must travel directly to their place of residence or accommodation and isolate for 72 hours, pending further health advice.
