First Case of South Africa-Originated COVID-19 Variant Detected in Australia

Woman Recently Returned from South Africa
Tests Positive During Hotel Quarantine

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Australia has reported its first case of infection with the new coronavirus variant originating from South Africa (South Africa variant).

On the 30th, Australia's public broadcaster ABC cited the Queensland government in northeastern Australia, reporting that a woman who recently visited South Africa and returned to Australia tested positive for the variant virus (501.V2) while in hotel quarantine.

The woman entered Brisbane from South Africa on the 22nd and was confirmed positive during her two-week hotel quarantine.

Queensland health authorities confirmed through genetic sequencing analysis that she is the first person in Australia infected with the South African variant virus.

The infected woman is currently being transferred to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for treatment. Other passengers who arrived together from South Africa remain in hotel quarantine.

With the first confirmed case of the South African variant virus in Australia, health authorities have raised the alert level.

Dr. Jeannette Young, Chief Medical Officer of Queensland, said, "The (South African) variant virus is considered to be more contagious than other COVID-19 strains, which is concerning."

Professor Kirsty Short of the University of Queensland emphasized, "The new virus may be more transmissible, but the exact extent is not yet fully understood. More thorough research is needed on this."

Queensland health authorities stated, "The first infection occurred during hotel quarantine, and all possible measures have been taken to prevent secondary transmission," adding, "The likelihood of the South African variant virus spreading into the community is very low," the broadcast added.