Omicron variant ‘arrives in Germany’ via South Africa as 61 travellers from new strain hotspot test positive for Covid

A NEW mutant super-strain of Covid has reportedly arrived in Germany – while dozens of passengers travelling from South Africa to Amsterdam have tested positive for Covid. Health chiefs say it’s overwhelmingly likely that “very high risk” Omicron is in Germany already after a traveller tested positive for a mutated form of the deadly bug. APDozens of passengers aboard flights from South Africa to Amsterdam have tested positive for Covid[/caption] EPAThe Red Cross took those infected into quarantine last night[/caption] Meanwhile, 61 people onboard two flights into Schiphol Airport are known to be infected with coronavirus, with tests under way to see if they too have the variant. It comes amid huge concern over Omicron, believed by experts to be the “worst variant ever”. The passengers were among 600 to arrive at Schiphol Airport on two KLM flights on Friday. Health chiefs said: “Travellers with a positive test result will be placed in isolation at a hotel at or near Schiphol. “Of the positive test results, we are researching as quickly as possible whether they are the new variant of concern, now named ‘Omicron’.” The Dutch government banned all air travel from southern Africa early on Friday. FEARS OVER SUPER-STRAIN However, health minister Hugo de Jonge said passengers already en route to the Netherlands would be allowed into the country after undergoing testing and quarantine. Passengers on the two KLM flights, from Cape Town and Johannesburg, said they were kept waiting on the tarmac for hours. New York Times journalist Stephanie Nolen, a passenger on a flight from Johannesburg who later tested negative, reported a “huge queue” to see Covid testers. In Germany – which looks set to head back into lockdown as Covid cases spiral – a minister in western state Hesse said Omicron has already arrived. “Last night several Omicron-typical mutations were found in a traveller returning from South Africa,” tweeted Kai Klose. The state is home to busy Frankfurt Airport. ‘HIGH RISK’ EU health chiefs have warned the new mutation poses a “high to very high” risk to Europe. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control says there’s “considerable uncertainty related to the transmissibility, vaccine effectiveness, risk for reinfections and other properties of the Omicron variant.” Yesterday, video emerged of travellers being told they couldn’t get off a plane in Amsterdam after the first European case was confirmed in Belgium. They were finally allowed off the jet after being tested and leaving their details with contact tracers. Some nations, including Germany, are believed to be bracing for a ‘Code Black’ scenario – meaning medics will have to choose who gets treatment and who doesn’t. The situation could soon worsen if Omicron spreads, it’s feared. Most read in News FEAR WE GO AGAIN Christmas lockdown fears grow as new strain on brink of reaching the UK IN THE DOCK Bobbi-Anne's family hurl abuse at musician in court accused of her murder KILLER STORM Head teacher killed by tree as 90mph snowstorm rip off roofs and wreak havoc ULTIMATE BETRAYAL My 'mates' trapped me in cellar & filmed themselves raping me for 6 hours sleepover 'murder' Man 'raped girl, 11, before murdering her and pal, brother and mum' KILLER STORM Rare RED alert for Storm Arwen with 90mph winds & 3ins snow to spark BLIZZARDS The strain has officially been named a “variant of concern” by the WHO. And in the UK, a hunt has begun for hundreds of passengers who have recently arrived from South Africa. Sajid Javid urged anyone who has arrived in the country from South Africa in recent days to take a PCR test as quickly as possible. ReutersHundreds of people queued for Covid tests after flying into Schiphol yesterday[/caption] ReutersThe Dutch government banned all flights from South Africa – but allowed in passengers already in the air when the decision was made[/caption] Six South African countries are now on the UK’s ‘red list’