Queensland has detected a case of the new South African variant of coronavirus in a returned traveller — the first time the new strain has been identified in Australia.
Health authorities said genome testing confirmed the woman was carrying the new variant, after she tested positive for COVID-19 while in hotel quarantine in Brisbane.
The variant is thought to be a more contagious form of coronavirus and has been described by the state’s Chief Health Officer, Jeannette Young, as “very concerning”.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the patient was an overseas traveller who arrived in Queensland on December 22.
She said the person had been transferred from hotel quarantine to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for treatment.
Speaking at Parliament House, Ms D’Ath confirmed it was the first time the variant had been identified in Australia.
“We are absolutely confident that all proper measures were taken at the hotel and in the transfer and of course at the hospital in relation to this positive case,” she said.
Authorities said all other passengers aboard the woman’s inbound flight were being closely monitored in hotel quarantine.