Two imported cases of Omicron variant detected in Hunan

A medical worker prepares a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine at a community service center in Tianxin District of Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, Oct. 26, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Central China's Hunan Province detected the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in two passengers who had arrived from overseas in the provincial capital of Changsha.

The whole-genome sequencing and analysis by the Hunan provincial center for disease control and prevention found the Omicron variant in the respiratory tract samples from two imported COVID-19 cases registered in Changsha on Dec. 16 (Thursday).

An ensuing check by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the finding, the Changsha municipal COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control headquarters said Dec. 18 (Saturday).

The infected persons have been placed under quarantine and are undergoing treatment in a designated hospital.