Probable Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in Quarantine Hotel, Hong Kong, China, November 2021

Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Feb;28(2):460-462. doi: 10.3201/eid2802.212422. Epub 2021 Dec 3.

Abstract

We report detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in an asymptomatic, fully vaccinated traveler in a quarantine hotel in Hong Kong, China. The Omicron variant was also detected in a fully vaccinated traveler staying in a room across the corridor from the index patient, suggesting transmission despite strict quarantine precautions.

Keywords: COVID-19; China; Hong Kong; Omicron variant B.1.1.529; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus disease; coronaviruses¸ viruses; quarantine hotel; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; transmission; variant of concern; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Quarantine
  • SARS-CoV-2*

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants