Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says while the early signs that Omicron may be less severe are promising, he’s told Liam Bartlett the government is adopting a “cautious” approach as they learn more about the strain.

It comes as the Prime Minister convenes a National Security Committee meeting today to discuss Australia’s response to the new variant.

Flights from nine countries in southern Africa have already been suspended and a temporary ban has been applied to non-citizens who have been in those countries from entering.

Returning citizens are allowed to return, but must undertake a 14-day quarantine period.

“Nobody is pretending that there is full knowledge … but having said that, we are heartened by the early signs that it maybe mild,” Mr Hunt said on 6PR Mornings.

“Now that’s not going to be universally the case, but this is about trend.”

Press PLAY to hear the full interview below 

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