Mutant COVID strain originating in South Africa found in returned Australian in Queensland

An Australian has tested positive to a virulent, mutated strain of coronavirus believed to have originated in South Africa.

Genomic testing carried out on a returned traveller, who arrived in Queensland on December 22, found the variant.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath on Tuesday said it was the first time the South African strain had been found in Australia.

“The positive news – the good news about this individual – is that they were in hotel quarantine at the time they were tested and they…