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

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.

Importation and Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant of Concern in Korea, November 2021

“…Epidemiologic features of the omicron VOC have not been fully characterized in other places. 3 Our finding of short serial interval of 2.8 days is in line with findings from South Africa, with growing reproductive number compared to the delta VOC. 4 Meanwhile, none of the first 80 patients underwent severe disease or death as in the US, which was reassuring, yet, should be monitored further.…”

Activity of convalescent and vaccine serum against a B.1.1.529 variant SARS-CoV-2 isolate

“…8 B.1.1529 (Omicron) was first detected in South Africa, Botswana and in a traveler from South Africa in Hong Kong. 1,2 The variant hosts a large number of mutations in its spike protein including at least 15 amino acid changes in the receptor binding domain (RBD). These mutations are predicted to affect most neutralizing antibody epitopes.…”

Transmission of Omicron (B.1.1.529) - SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern in a designated quarantine hotel for travelers: a challenge of elimination strategy of COVID-19

“…Despite these additional measures, another incident of SARS-CoV-2 transmission inside a DQH was reported. 6 The asymptomatic index case (M/36), who had completed two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (BioNTech) in June 2021, had anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain (anti-RBD) of 1142 AU/ml (14 November 2021). The secondary case (M/62) also completed two doses of BioNTech in May 2021.…”

“…Whole genome sequences of specimens collected from the two cases were different by only 1 nucleotide and belonged to the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529 lineage). 6 …”