Myanmar's Ministry of Health on December 28 confirmed the first four infection cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Taking samples for COVID-19 testing in Myanmar. (Source: Aninews)

According to the ministry, the new variant was found in four samples of returnees from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Only one of the four infected people showed symptoms and all are in a good health condition.

Myanmar had reported 530,000 COVID-19 infections with 19,260 deaths as of December 28.

On the same day, the Malaysian Ministry of Health said that 306 out of 366 travellers who tested positive for COVID-19 last week could be infected with the Omicron variant.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that the ministry was currently awaiting the results of the whole genome sequencing.

Amidst the spread of Omicron, Khairy recommended people to continue keeping distance, following pandemic prevention and control measures, and taking testing against COVID-19 by themselves before gathering with relatives and friends on the occasion of the upcoming lunar New Year holiday.

Source: VNA