Covid-19: Fragments detected in Bonny Hills, Dunbogan and Port Macquarie sewage
Samples taken from three Mid-North Coast sewage plants have tested positive for Covid-19. It has led health authorities to urge any of the 68,000 residents in the region with symptoms to get tested immediately.
Mid-North Coast
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Health authorities have once again confirmed fragments of the Covid-19 virus have been detected in sewage sites across the Mid-North Coast, leading to fears the virus is - or has been - present within the community.
The detection of virus fragments comes after samples where taken from the Port Macquarie, Bonny Hills and Dunbogan sewage treatment plants on August 30.
The Port Macquarie sewage treatment plant serves around 54,000 residents of Port Macquarie, Sovereign Hills, Thrumster, Sancrox, North Shore and Settlement Point in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area.
The Bonny Hills sewage treatment plant serves around 7,000 residents of Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills. The Dunbogan sewage treatment plant serves around 8,500 residents of Dunbogan, Laurieton, Lakewood, West Haven, Camden Head and North Haven.
Mid-North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick said testing sewage can help provide early warning of undetected infections in an area.
"In this instance, where there are no known cases of COVID-19 this is of particular concern," he said.
"Detection of virus fragments in sewage can also be due to shedding of the virus by someone who may have previously had the illness and may no longer be infectious. It can also be the result of a person with COVID-19 who may have visited the community and has since left the area.
The results come 14 days since two previous positive cases were reported at Kempsey, but as yet there has been newly confirmed cases of Covid-19 anywhere in the Mid North Coast Local Health District since August 17.
"As well as being present in stools, viral fragments can enter the sewer when washed off hands and bodies through sinks and showers," Mr Dowrick said.
"Usual sewage treatment processes inactivate, or kill, the COVID-19 virus."
"We strongly encourage people in the area to remain vigilant and get tested for even the mildest of symptoms."
A list of the latest sewage detections in NSW is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/nsw-covid-19-case-locations/sewage-testing and more information about the NSW Sewage Surveillance Program you can be found at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/sewage-surveillance.aspx
A full list of clinic locations and opening hours are listed on the NSW government website at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics.
EARLIER
Sewage tests put Kempsey in Covid clear
Friday, August 27
has been contained in isolation, after two people - a 14-year-old girl and a close contact of hers - returned positive results for Covid-19 earlier this month.
The girl had returned from Newcastle on Friday August 13, was tested on the Sunday and confirmed as a positive case the following Tuesday. The second case was confirmed three days after that.
In a brief Facebook on Friday, Kemspey Shire Council said it was 'delighted' that there was no sign of the virus detected in tests conducted across five Macleay Valley sites.
"Council's Water and Sewer team sampled multiple plants this week within the Shire and we have been advised by NSW Health that it's all clear," the post read.
"No fragments of COVID-19 were detected in sewage samples taken from Kempsey, Frederickton, Crescent Head or South West Rocks.
"Please continue to stay home, unless it’s absolutely essential to leave. Keep each other safe, and stay up to date with the latest from NSW health."
Statewide, 882 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded, with two deaths overnight in Sydney.
NSW Health said on Thursday that the detection of the virus in Forster’s sewage was of ‘particular concern’ and urged everyone in the area is to monitor for the onset of symptoms.
“It remains vital that anyone who has any symptoms or is a close or casual contact of a person with COVID-19, isolates and is tested immediately.”
There are seven testing clinics across the Mid North Coast. The locations and opening hours of these testing clinics are listed on the NSW Government website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics
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