NSW Health fears Omicron transmitted onboard Doha flight

NSW Health has confirmed a seventh case of the Omicron COVID-19 strain. The infected person had not visited southern Africa, leading authorities to believe in-flight transmission of the virus has occurred.

“The Omicron variant was identified by NSW Health following ongoing genomic sequencing of confirmed COVID-19 cases who have recently returned from overseas,” the health authority said in a statement today.

“The person arrived on flight QR908 from Doha to Sydney on 23 November. The person is isolating in the Special Health Accommodation with their family.”

It said two other members of the person’s household were confirmed cases of COVID-19 and urgent genomic sequencing was underway to confirm they had also been infected with the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

“These travellers have not been in southern Africa and NSW Health is concerned transmission may have occurred on this flight,” NSW Health said.

NSW Health is now requesting every person who was on flight QR908 from Doha to Sydney on 23 November immediately get a PCR test and isolate while waiting further health advice. 

“NSW Health will contact all passengers and flight crew to advise them of their isolation requirements. They can also call NSW Health on 1800 943 553 for further advice.”

NSW Health advises the following venue was visited by the traveller:

Anyone who attended the venue at the times listed is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. You should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again.