The passengers, now in Sydney, were fully vaccinated and tested negative in South Africa before departure.
SINGAPORE: Two travellers who transited through Singapore on their way to Sydney have tested positive for the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The passengers, who arrived in Sydney on Singapore Airlines flight SQ211 from Singapore, had travelled from Johannesburg to Singapore before continuing their journey to Australia.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the travellers had negative pre-departure tests in South Africa on Nov 26 and remained in the transit area at Changi Airport while awaiting their flight to Sydney. They did not enter Singapore. MOH added that following the news, it had implemented a ban from 11.59pm on Nov 27 for long-term pass holders and short-term visitors who had recently travelled to South Africa and surrounding countries from entering or transiting through Singapore.
Upon their arrival in Sydney, the passengers were isolated in health accommodation by New South Wales (NSW) health authorities. All passengers aboard the flight are considered close contacts and are required to undergo testing and self-isolation for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status.
In response, Singapore Airlines confirmed that the pilots and crew members will also undergo testing and self-isolate as per health guidelines. The airline committed to assisting in contact tracing efforts in coordination with health authorities.
Australia, which had recently opened its borders to vaccinated Singaporeans, has since delayed the reopening of international borders to skilled workers and students due to concerns over the Omicron variant. The Australian government also mandated a 14-day hotel quarantine for arrivals who have been in Southern Africa or neighbouring countries. Currently, four cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in New South Wales.
