Almost a dozen suburbs on alert after viral fragments detected in Darwin catchment
An alarming virus find has put 11 suburbs in Darwin on high alert despite there only being eight active Covid-19 cases.
An urgent alert has been issued for 11 suburbs across Darwin after Covid-19 fragments were detected in sewage.
Northern Territory health authorities issued the warning on Friday night after samples taken from the Ludmilla Treatment Plant on July 14 returned positive traces.
The catchment area covers the suburbs of Bayview, Cullen Bay, Darwin, Darwin Waterfront, Dinah Beach, Fannie Bay, Ludmilla, Parap, Tipperary Waters, Winnellie and Woolner.
According to NT Health, the Centre for Disease Control confirmed people who had recently quarantined at the Howard Springs facility live in the catchment area and were “likely” shedding the virus following their recovery.
“These people are not infectious and there is no risk to the community,” they said in a statement.
“Further testing of wastewater across Darwin and in the Ludmilla catchment will be undertaken to monitor the situation.”
Anyone with the slightest of symptoms of Covid-19, including a cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, change in taste or smell and a sore throat, have been asked to get tested immediately.
Residents were also reminded to check in everywhere they go.
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