NSW Health confirmed urgent genomic testing showed three overseas travellers were infected with the new Omicron covid variant.
The passengers came to Sydney from southern Africa on Saturday, November 27 at 7pm. They underwent testing on arrival and tested positive for covid late last night.
The positive cases showed no symptoms, two are in isolation in the Special Health Accommodation and one is isolating at home in Sydney.
Both people were fully vaccinated.
The remaining 12 passengers on the flight from southern Africa are in 14 days of hotel quarantine in the Special Health Accommodation. Around 260 passengers and air crew on the flight are considered close contacts and have been directed to isolate.
All travellers arriving in NSW who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Malawi, and the Seychelles during the 14 day period before their arrival in NSW must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days, irrespective of their vaccination status.
All travellers who have been in any other overseas country during the 14 day period before their arrival in NSW must travel directly to their place of residence or accommodation and isolate for 72 hours, pending further health advice.
Anyone who has already arrived in NSW who has been in any of the nine African countries within the previous 14 days must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days and call NSW Health on 1800 943 553.
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