First Australian case of more virulent COVID-19 strain found in Queensland

Australia has its first case of the more contagious South African variant of the coronavirus after a returned overseas traveller in Queensland hotel quarantine tested positive.

But Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said there was no risk to the general public because all indications were that protocol was followed in the transfer of the woman from hotel quarantine to Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

The development comes as COVID-19 fragments were detected in samples tested from five Brisbane wastewater sites, reiterating calls for residents to get tested for any symptoms.

“We can report also today that it has been identified one overseas individual, who arrived in Queensland on December 22, has tested positive for the new South…