Tara Murray
The Department of Health suspects a second person in Brimbank has the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
In the department’s daily update, it said they were still investigating the suspected cases that were announced yesterday, while they believe there are an additional two cases.
“Two new cases have also returned results with the “S gene dropout” – the absence of the S gene in screening tests is a signature of the Omicron variant,” the update said.
“Of the four total suspected cases, one has been identified in the City of Casey, one in the City of Wyndham and two in the City of Brimbank.
“Whole genome sequencing is being rapidly undertaken to confirm whether these represent the Omicron variant.
“At this stage, it is known that three of these cases are not linked to international travel and their source of acquisition is under investigation.”
Two positive wastewater detections have also been detected at Melbourne Airport.
The two dates, December 1 and 2 are consistent with a known suspected case of the Omicron variant who visited the airport.
Anyone who works at or has visited Melbourne Airport is urged to watch for the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms and get tested as soon as possible if symptoms develop.
The Department is interviewing the suspected Omicron variant cases and is taking a conservative approach to the designation of their contacts, including in non-household settings.
