Omicron Arrives in South America... Brazilian Couple Infected After Traveling to South Africa

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The new COVID-19 variant Omicron, which is rapidly spreading with a frightening pace, has landed in South America.

Omicron was detected in a Brazilian couple who returned from South Africa, marking the first Omicron infection case in South America.

On the 30th (local time), Brazil's health regulatory agency, the National Health Surveillance Agency, confirmed that the couple returning from South Africa was infected with Omicron.

Since the first infection was discovered in Africa, Omicron cases have now been reported on all continents including Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania, and South America.

The couple tested positive for Omicron in two separate tests conducted at a hospital in S?o Paulo city and the Adolfo Lutz Institute under the Ministry of Health.

They tested negative before departing South Africa, but tested positive on the 25th after returning through an international airport near S?o Paulo.

The S?o Paulo state government stated that the couple is currently in self-quarantine and only showing mild COVID-19 symptoms.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian government announced that it is seeking ways to support the return of about 230 Brazilian tourists stranded in South Africa following the emergence of Omicron.

Since the day before, Brazil has banned entry of flights from six African countries including South Africa and is strengthening quarantine measures for travelers coming from neighboring African countries.