COVID detected in Gold Coast sewerage as city prepares for New Year’s Eve

Gold Coast health experts have detected traces of COVID-19 in the city’s waste water system just hours after they warned against mass gatherings and kissing strangers on New Year’s Eve. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

COVID-19 traces have been detected in Gold Coast sewerage systems as community spread continues to grow in New South Wales.

Authorities confirmed Thursday that the highly contagious virus was detected in a Merrimac waste water facility.

The samples were collected on December 24th.

Traces were also found in Bundamba in West Moreton.

Queensland chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said continued positive sewage results were particularly concerning given the New South Wales cluster and new cases in Victoria.

“Both of these treatment plants collect wastewater from large urban populations,” she said.

“These positive test results are concerning as they may indicate either a recovered case or undetected active cases living in or visiting the area.

“It is very important that anyone in the Bundamba and Merrimac catchments who has COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, comes forward for testing. If there are active cases in the area, it is important that we detect them early to prevent further transmission.

“With the New South Wales cluster growing and new cases in Victoria, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Wastewater tests last week also revealed positive results at seven wastewater sites across Queensland - Victoria Point, Oxley Creek, Goodna, Fairfield, Cairns North, Redcliffe and Nambour.

“It’s not just residents we want to reach, but holiday-makers as well,” Dr Young said.

Three new cases were reported in Queensland today. All were infected overseas, and have returned from South Africa, India and Pakistan and are being transferred to hospital. Genome sequencing is underway to determine the viral lineages.

EARLIER:: Health experts urge revellers to stay COVID-safe, avoid kissing strangers

‘VIGILANCE’ is the word of 2021 according to Gold Coast health experts warning against mass gatherings and kissing strangers for New Year’s Eve amid new COVID-19 outbreaks.

While Friday is the start of a new year, the troubles of 2020 are far from behind us according to the local medical fraternity who are tempering any optimism.

Leading local GP Sonu Haikerwal who has worked on the pandemic frontline since day one - running the Haan Health Respiratory Clinic in Upper Coomera - said switching to 2021 meant little for the virus.

Queensland Ambulance spokesman, Senior Station officer Justin Payne. Picture Glenn Hampson

“If you think about the timeline when the borders were actually closed there could potentially be people who are still COVID carriers on the Gold Coast. We still need to be vigilant.

“I know it is very hard wanting to end this year and celebrate but we must still be cautious, gather in small groups and keep our distance.

“I don’t want to sound preachy. We still need to have fun and celebrate but there is a huge sense of fatigue with the rules - but we can’t just stop.”

Dr Haikerwal said from her perspective 2021 could bring tougher health challenges than ever.

“While COVID has been managed there has been some people who have not sought the care they need because of it - cancers missed, tests put off, mental health - this year has still weakened the system.”

Gold Coast Medical Association head Dr Philip Morris was more optimistic: “We need to be vigilant but not frightened. Australia is doing well.

“What we do on New Year’s Eve could set the tone for 2021 so we need to be mindful.

“Just because you go from Thursday night in one year to Friday morning doesn't mean there are any changes in the situation. We have vaccines to look forward to but they are a while off yet.

“Just wear a mask in crowds, and give people an elbow nudge instead of a kiss at midnight - just for this year.

“All bets are off once there is a vaccine.”

Queensland Ambulance Service senior station officer Justin Payne who will be on the ground for 7pm to 9am said the night was notoriously “hectic” - and this year they were prepared to cover a larger area than ever: It is always our busiest time of the year.

None of this, Gold Coast.

“Historically there are high levels of intoxication and drug use.

“But this year because there are no main celebrations this year because of COVID, so we will be positioned around the Coast in order to respond rapidly to smaller parties,” he said.

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Relying on a steady stream of caffeine and Allen’s lollies, Mr Payne said he would be linked into the Gold Coast’s police camera network to ensure ambulance crews responded rapidly.

“This year will look different and be a little more difficult because there is not the single centre for a main event, but we have made preparations,” he said.

“We are just asking people to form a plan when it comes to how they will get home or where they will stay overnight. And please follow the advice of the chief health officer.

“Personally I am hoping 2021 will be better than this year but I am not holding my breath on it.”

On the Gold Coast there are five active COVID-19 cases, all of which were acquired overseas and are in hotel quarantine.

All up, 1346 Gold Coasters will spend the night in as they are under active self quarantine notices.

Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak spread on Wednesday, with six new cases linked to a Croydon family. It has had 18 cases in 24 hours with nine linked to the original northern beaches cluster.

COVID-19 NEW YEARS SAFETY CHECK

Do

• Stay home if you are sick;
• If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, get tested;
• Stay 1.5 metres away from other people — think two big steps;
• Wash your hands lots with soap and water, or hand sanitiser;
• Sneeze or cough into your arm or a tissue. Then put the tissue in the bin;
• Wear a face mask when you are not able to keep 1.5 metres away from other people;
• Opt for an elbow nudge, instead of a New Years kiss;

Do not

• Go near people if you are coughing or sneezing;
• Touch your mouth, nose and eyes;
• Shake hands;
• Hug or kiss people.

Originally published as COVID detected in Gold Coast sewerage as city prepares for New Year’s Eve