A key meeting has taken place this morning to discuss the new and concerning Covid variant that has emerged overseas.
Australians who have recently returned from South Africa and a handful of other countries could be required to go into quarantine, as the world races to contain a new Covid-19 variant.
Health Minister Greg Hunt and chief medical officer Paul Kelly will address Australia shortly after 12pm following a briefing, after the World Health Organisation renamed B.1.1.529 ‘Omicron’ a ‘variant of concern’ overnight.
The variant, which originated in South Africa, is still an enigma to global epidemiologists, but the UN health agency said in a statement the variant had a “large number of mutations, some of which are very concerning”.
“The variant has been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage,” the statement said.
Australia does not receive any direct flights from South Africa, however repatriation flights have arrived into Howard Springs quarantine facility.
Australians have also been able to fly from South Africa via a host of other countries.
Australians arriving into Victoria, NSW and the ACT from overseas do not need to quarantine.
But, a series of precautionary measures are likely to be introduced later on Saturday, which could include a period of quarantine or isolation for any Australians who have been in South Africa.
The United Kingdom closed its borders to southern Africa, followed by other countries in Europe, the United States and Canada.
The first case of the variant detected in Europe was announced in Belgium late on Friday night Australian time.
More to come.
Originally published as Australia preparing to tighten quarantine rules in response to new Omicron Covid variant
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