The Omicron coronavirus variant has spread further in Australia as a cluster in Sydney increased to 13 cases. An infection was also suspected in the state of Queensland.

Authorities plan to reopen the economy with the hope that Omicron will be milder than previous strains. However, some state and territory governments have toughened their domestic border controls. The first community transmission of Omicron was reported in Australia on Friday at a Sydney school. The source of this infection is being investigated.

According to Kerry Chant, chief health officer of New South Wales, more Omicron cases were expected over the weekend as more tests results come. Authorities in Queensland said that the state’s first Omicron case was suspected in a person with travel history from South Africa… (Reuters, December 4, 2021)