Coronavirus fragments detected in Bendigo sewerage

A Victorian town is on high alert after Covid-19 fragments were detected in sewage despite there being no known positive cases.

Thousands of regional Victorians are being urged to monitor for Covid-19 symptoms after viral fragments were found in sewage in Bendigo.

Residents and recent visitors to the suburbs of California Gully, Eaglehawk, Epsom, Huntly, Jackass Flat, Maiden Gully, Marong, North Bendigo and Sailors Gully between June 3 and 7 should get tested if any Covid-19 symptoms develop.

The Victorian Department of Health said the detection of fragments of coronavirus was of “interest” as there were no confirmed cases in the area.

The health department said the detection was unexpected as there were no positive cases in the area. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“While the unexpected detections may be due to someone who has had Covid-19 that is no longer infectious continuing to shed the virus, it may be due to an active but undiagnosed infectious case,” the health department said in a statement.

“The wastewater testing program is designed as an early warning system and a cautious approach is always taken when these detections are found.”

The health department has increased wastewater testing in the area and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

There are 83 active Covid cases in Victoria, with 68 locally acquired and 15 in hotel quarantine.