Australia confirms community transmission of Omicron variant of Covid-19

New South Wales state has confirmed 15 omicron infections and more are likely

Five people in Sydney, Australia’s largest city, have contracted the omicron variant of the coronavirus locally, New South Wales health authorities confirmed. 

The cases are linked to two schools and a climbing gym in Sydney’s western suburbs, which may also be the source of a confirmed omicron infection in the Australian Capital Territory, NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said Sunday. Urgent genome testing is underway for a number of other cases linked to the venues and should be available in coming days, she said in a video update. 

New South Wales state has confirmed 15 omicron infections and more