Central Coast Covid: Nine new cases recorded as local school students test positive

The Central Coast has recorded nine new Covid cases, bringing our total to 18 across the region.

The Central Coast has nine new confirmed cases of Covid, with traces of the virus also detected in two local sewage systems.

It comes as two students from Lake Munmorah Public School tested positive.

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has confirmed that eight of the nine new cases - including the two students - are under the same roof with authorities unsure of the source of the infection.

Two cases were conformed at Lake Munmorah Public School. Picture: Peter Lorimer

“One case is included in today’s numbers,” a CCLHD spokeswoman said.

“Seven household contacts of this case were identified and have now also tested positive for COVID-19.

“One further case has been identified. This case is linked to known cases in the Hunter Region who spent time on Blacksmith Beach. Contact tracing and case investigations are ongoing.”

The nine cases bring the region’s total to 18 as NSW recorded 262 new cases on Thursday.

The school has closed for deep cleaning. Picture: Peter Lorimer

The CCLHD spokeswoman said a number of exposure sites have also been identified including Lake Munmorah Public School, which is closed for cleaning and contact tracing.

NSW Health has also advised that fragments of the virus have been detected in the Woy Woy and Charmhaven sewage systems.

Charmhaven covers 59,000 people in suburbs including Blue Haven, Charmhaven, Doyalson, Gorokan, Hamlyn Terrace, Kanwal, Lake Haven, San Remo, Wadalba, Warnervale, and Wyong.

People from the peninsula are on high alert with the virus detected in the sewage system.

Woy Woy includes 41,000 people of Woy Woy Bay, Woy Woy, Phegans Bay, Horsfield Bay, Blackwall, Booker Bay, Ettalong Beach, Umina Beach, Pearl Beach and Patonga.

Anyone who lives or works in any of these areas is asked to be particularly vigilant for the onset of symptoms.

CCLHD has also advised of two additional “casual contact” sites. Anyone who attended the following venues is asked to tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

■ Lake Munmorah Shopping Centre, Kemira Rd. Lake Munmorah – Saturday July 31, 9.15am-9.40am

■ Lake Haven Centre, Lake Haven Drive and Goobarabah Ave, Lake Haven – Tuesday, August 3, 9am-9.30am

Testing sites are bring inundated across the coast. Picture: Gaye Gerard

The next five days will be a defining time for the region, as hope fades for an early release from lockdown.

Lake Munmorah Public School is closed for cleaning as parents were advised of the two cases overnight.

Principal Narelle Baldwin took to social media, telling the local school community that the school would close immediately.

“All staff and students are asked to self isolate until you receive further advice,” she said.

“NSW Health has requested anyone who has been unwell or if you develop any symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of smell/taste, muscle/joint pains, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting or extreme tiredness to be tested at one of the COVID-19 testing clinics.”