Two people have tested positive for the Russian strain of COVID-19 amid an outbreak at a Brisbane quarantine hotel, with another 75 guests now being tested for the virus.
Queensland Health says the two confirmed COVID-19 cases arrived on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Brisbane on February 17.
A third person, who on the flight, has tested positive for the virus is now undergoing genomic testing to see if they also have the Russian strain.
Authorities say a further 74 travellers who were on that flight are now being retested and have been ordered to extend their 14-day quarantine period for another five days.
"As more variants emerge, we are taking a cautious approach. In some cases, this means we have further enhanced our quarantine requirements," Queensland Health said in a statement to AAP.
"We want to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the extended quarantine period, but these measures are necessary to protect Queenslanders."
The flight continued to New Zealand with Queensland authorities are speaking with officials in that country about a fourth person who has since tested positive for COVID-19.
Queensland Health said the outbreak is contained in quarantine and the Russian strain of the virus it not particularly dangerous.
"The Russian variant is not considered a variant of concern, but as the variant is very new, we are remaining cautious while we learn more about its incubation period and transmissibility," it said.
An outbreak at the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Brisbane involving four guests and a hotel cleaner, who was later in the community, resulted in the city being sent into a snap three-day lockdown in January.
