First Case of 'Variant COVID' from South Africa Confirmed in Australia

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The new variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that is spreading in the Republic of South Africa has been confirmed for the first time in Australia, ABC Australia reported on the 29th (local time).

According to the report, the Australian health authorities confirmed this after analyzing the genome sequence of a woman who was quarantined in a Brisbane hotel after returning from overseas travel. This woman, an overseas traveler who entered Australia on the 22nd, tested positive during the mandatory two-week quarantine period. This is the first time the South African variant has been confirmed in Australia.

Dr. Jeanette Young, Chief Health Officer of Queensland, stated, "The variant virus confirmed this time is the type first discovered in South Africa and is different from the 'B117' variant spreading recently in the United Kingdom." The South African variant is known to be relatively more contagious.

Yvette D'Ath, Queensland Minister for Health, said, "The confirmed patient has been transferred to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for treatment," and explained, "Appropriate measures were taken from the time she was in the hotel, during the transfer process, and after being moved to the hospital."

Health authorities are closely monitoring the health status of other passengers who were on the same flight as the confirmed woman.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.