Austria reports first suspected case of Omicron COVID-19 variant

FILE PHOTO: Signs are seen at the entrance of a lift station, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues, in the Tyrolean ski resort of Ischgl, Austria, October 19, 2020. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/File Photo

ZURICH (Reuters) - Austria has detected its first suspected case of the new Omicron coronavirus variant in the Tirol, authorities in the alpine region said late on Saturday.

A traveller who returned from South Africa last week tested positive for COVID-19 with indications of the new variant, though confirmation requires further sequencing over the coming days, Tirol authorities said in a statement.