New Russian COVID-19 variant detected in Queensland quarantine

“Genomic testing is under way for a third traveller who tested positive to COVID-19 and was linked to the flight,” the spokeswoman said.

“These three cases were detected while in hotel quarantine, there is no risk to the community.

“Flight QR898 continued onto New Zealand, and we are also liaising with New Zealand health authorities regarding a fourth person linked to this flight that has since tested positive.

“Genomic testing is also under way for this person.”

The flight left from Doha and arrived in Brisbane on February 17.

“As more variants emerge, we are taking a cautious approach. In some cases, this means we have further enhanced our quarantine requirements,” the spokeswoman said.

“This new variant has meant we’ve…