Australia records first case of new South African strain of coronavirus in Queensland

Queensland has recorded a case of the new South African variant of coronavirus — the first positive case of its kind in Australia.

The strain is thought to be a more contagious variant of coronavirus and has been described by the state’s Chief Health Officer as “very concerning”.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the patient was an overseas traveller who arrived in Queensland on December 22.

She said the person has been transferred from hotel quarantine to isolate at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

More to come.