Two travellers from South Africa who transited in Singapore test positive for Omicron COVID-19 variant in Sydney

SINGAPORE: Two travellers from South Africa who transited in Singapore have examined positive for the brand new Omicron COVID-19 variant in Sydney.The passengers arrived in Sydney on Singapore Airlines SQ211, which departed Singapore at 10.30am on Sunday (Nov 28) and landed in Sydney at 9.20pm the identical day.In its every day COVID-19 replace, Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) mentioned late Monday night time that the travellers had departed Johannesburg, South Africa on Nov 27 through SQ481 and arrived at Changi Airport on the identical day for their transit flight.From 11.59pm on Nov 27, all long-term cross holders and short-term guests with journey historical past inside the final 14 days to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe have not been allowed to enter or transit in Singapore.MOH mentioned the travellers' pre-departure assessments in South Africa on Nov 26 have been detrimental for COVID-19 and many of the travellers had remained in the transit space at Changi Airport till their departure for Sydney on Nov 28.They didn't enter Singapore or go to different areas in Changi Airport, added MOH. Seven individuals disembarked, of whom six are presently serving a 10-day stay-home discover at a devoted facility and can be examined utilizing polymerase chain response assessments."One was a close contact of an infected individual on the flight, and has been quarantined. Contact tracing is ongoing for airport staff who may have come into transient contact with the cases," mentioned MOH.Earlier on Monday, the New South Wales well being ministry (NSW Health) mentioned in a media launch: "Both passengers arrived in Sydney from southern Africa on Singapore Airlines flight SQ211."They have been each totally vaccinated and have been remoted in particular well being lodging, NSW Health added."Everyone on the flight is considered a close contact and will need to get tested immediately for COVID-19 and isolate for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status," mentioned NSW Health.It mentioned that it could contact all passengers and flight crew to allow them to know in regards to the isolation necessities.

PILOTS, CREW TO GET TESTED, ISOLATE

In response to CNA's queries, an SIA spokesperson mentioned the pilots and crew who operated the flight will self-isolate and get examined for COVID-19.The spokesperson added that SIA is unable to disclose any details about the passengers due to buyer confidentiality, and that it'll help well being authorities in "all necessary contact tracing efforts"."Singapore Airlines will work with the authorities, and be guided by the relevant regulatory requirements, as it ensures the health and safety of our customers and staff members," the SIA spokesperson added.