Scientists are working quickly to establish whether the Omicron variant is already in Sydney. Photo: Getty ImagesAustralia has recorded its first cases of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant. The two confirmed cases were among 14 people who arrived on Saturday evening, travelling on Qatar Airways QR908 from Doha. Earlier today, the Ministry of Health said health officials were continuing to assess the latest international information on the new B.1.1529 variant. Adding these countries to the very high risk country register is an appropriate and proportionate measure as more evidence is gathered globally on the Omicron variant," he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 28, 2021 08:58 UTC