Yahoo TV

Two people who arrived in Sydney from southern Africa tested positive on Sunday (November 28) for the newly identified variant as officials ordered 14-day quarantine for citizens returning from nine African countries. A potential third positive case in Sydney is under investigation.

Omicron, dubbed a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization, is potentially more contagious than previous variants. But experts do not know yet if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains.

Morrison said the national security committee will meet later on Monday to assess the border reopening relaxations due from Wednesday. A meeting of leaders of all states and territories will be held by Tuesday, he said.

Australia has so far recorded about 209,000 coronavirus cases and 1,997 deaths since the pandemic began.