Mainland China reports first Omicron case

China has reported its first case of the fast-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant, state media said Monday.

Authorities in the northern city of Tianjin confirmed the case in an individual who entered the country from an undisclosed overseas location, according to the Tianjin Daily newspaper.

The asymptomatic patient tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursdaybefore further tests "confirmed the detection of the... Omicron variant", the report said, adding that the person was being treated inisolation at hospital.


The world's most populous nation is on high alert for potentialoutbreaks as it prepares to host the Beijing Winter Olympics in February.

Disease control agencies affiliated with the State Council -- China's cabinet -- have ordered stronger virus protocols in port cities like Tianjin, which lies around 140 kilometres (87 miles) from the capital.