Omicron Cases Confirmed in French Overseas Territory R?union in the Indian Ocean

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] A new case of the COVID-19 variant Omicron has been reported in R?union, a French overseas territory.

On the 30th (local time), foreign media reported that French health authorities confirmed a 53-year-old man who traveled to Mozambique and visited South Africa tested positive for the Omicron variant.

R?union is a French island located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar Island, near southeastern Africa.

The confirmed patient entered R?union about two weeks ago, and health authorities have quarantined him along with his companions. Currently, six people, including three family members and three coworkers who had contact with him, are undergoing COVID-19 testing.

Earlier, Health Minister Olivier V?ran announced on the 29th that there were eight suspected cases of Omicron infection. The French government has temporarily suspended flights to and from South Africa and some other southern African countries to prevent further importation.