Colac residents and visitors urged to get tested after wastewater finding

Colac residents are urged to get tested for COVID-19 after coronavirus fragments were found in a wastewater sample taken at a treatment plant more than a week ago.

Coronavirus fragments have been found in a wastewater sample taken from the Colac wastewater treatment plant more than a week ago.

The Department of Health and Human Services said the result, which was received on Monday, showed that “very low” levels of viral fragments were present.

The finding comes after initial testing of wastewater taken from the treatment plant on November 23 was inconclusive, prompting a further analysis of the sample.

Victoria’s chief health officer professor Brett Sutton said the viral shredding may come from different sources – such as used tissues, or in stools – and last for several weeks beyond a person’s infectious period.

“People who have or have recently had COVID-19 may shed fragments of the virus and these can enter wastewater through toilets, sinks and drains,” Mr Sutton said.

“It should serve as a reminder to all Victorians that if you have the mildest of symptoms – to get tested.”

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Last week, a similar notice was issued to residents in Geelong’s northern suburbs, after traces of coronavirus were “unexpectedly” detected in Corio wastewater.

Victoria has recorded more than a month of zero daily cases, and the total confirmed cases in Victoria remains at 20,345.

A total of 3,581,144 test results have been received in Victoria as of Tuesday, marking an increase of 6874 since Monday.

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Originally published as Colac residents and visitors urged to get tested after wastewater finding