Dozens of returned travellers resulting from go away on Wednesday should keep in quarantine one other 5 days after a brand new COVID variant was detected.
Dozens of returned travellers have been ordered to remain in lodge quarantine in Brisbane for a further 5 days after two folks examined constructive to a brand new Russian variant of COVID-19.
Queensland Well being stated two passengers on Qatar Airways flight QR898, which arrived from Doha into Brisbane on February 17 with 74 folks on board, had examined constructive to COVID-19 late into their 14-day lodge quarantine interval.
Additional testing has revealed the travellers have variant B. 1.1.317.
Whereas Queensland Well being doesn’t take into account this a variant of concern, little is thought concerning the new pressure.
All passengers and crew members have been resulting from be launched on Wednesday, however might want to stay in lodge quarantine till March 8 and undertake further testing.
A Queensland Well being spokesperson stated they apologised to the 74 travellers who’ve been inconvenienced, however “these measures are crucial to guard Queenslanders.”
“This new variant has meant we’ve needed to lengthen the necessary 14-day quarantine interval for one more 5 days and organise further testing for 74 travellers who could have been uncovered to this new variant,” the spokesperson stated.
“As of March 2, the B. 1.1.317 variant has been confirmed in two abroad arrivals on flight QR898. Genomic testing is underway for a 3rd traveller who examined constructive to COVID-19 and was linked to this flight and stays in quarantine.
“Flight QR898 continued into New Zealand … We’re liaising with New Zealand authorities concerning a fourth individual linked to this flight that has since examined constructive.”