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2 travellers who transited through Singapore to Sydney test positive for Omicron Covid-19 variant

SINGAPORE — Two travellers who arrived in Sydney on Sunday (Nov 28) on a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight from Singapore have tested positive for the new Omicron coronavirus strain that causes Covid-19.

File photo of a Singapore Airlines flight at Sydney's airport in May 2021.

File photo of a Singapore Airlines flight at Sydney's airport in May 2021.

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SINGAPORE — Two travellers who arrived in Sydney on Sunday (Nov 28) on a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight from Singapore have tested positive for the new Omicron coronavirus strain that causes Covid-19.

"Both passengers arrived in Sydney from southern Africa on Singapore Airlines flight SQ211," the New South Wales health ministry (NSW Health) said in a media release.

They were both fully vaccinated and have been isolated in special health accommodation, it added.

Flight information from Changi Airport's website shows that SQ211 departed Singapore at 10.30am on Sunday and landed in Sydney at 9.20pm.

"Everyone on the flight is considered a close contact and will need to get tested immediately for Covid-19 and isolate for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status," NSW Health said.

It also said that it would contact all passengers and flight crew to let them know about the isolation requirements.

Since 11.59pm on Nov 27, all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with travel history within the last 14 days to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe have not been allowed to enter Singapore or transit here.

In response to CNA's queries, SIA said that the pilots and crew who operated the flight will self-isolate and get tested for Covid-19.

It also said that the airline is unable to reveal any information about the passengers because of customer confidentiality and that it will assist health authorities in "all necessary contact tracing efforts".

"Singapore Airlines will work with the authorities and be guided by the relevant regulatory requirements, as it ensures the health and safety of our customers and staff members," it added.

CNA has contacted Singapore's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transport, as well as the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore for more information.

Australia opened its borders to vaccinated Singaporeans on Nov 21, after Singapore extended its vaccinated travel lane scheme to Australia earlier this month.

On Saturday, New South Wales authorities said that from Sunday, all overseas arrivals must self-isolate for at least three days.

Australia on Monday halted plans to reopen its international borders to skilled workers and students, prompted by concerns over the new Omicron variant. Its prime minister Scott Morrison said that the Dec 1 reopening will be delayed at least two weeks.

All travellers arriving in New South Wales who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, the Seychelles, South Africa and Zimbabwe during the 14-day period before their arrival must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days, the authorities said.

There are now four confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in New South Wales. CNA

For more reports like this, visit cna.asia

Related topics

Covid-19 coronavirus Australia South Africa SIA Omicron variant

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