Anyone with symptoms urged to get tested after Covid-19 fragments found in Darwin wastewater testing

NT Health authorities are urging anyone with symptoms to get tested after Covid-19 viral fragments were detected during wastewater testing in Darwin.

NT Health authorities are urging anyone with symptons to get tested after Covid-19 viral fragments were detected during wastewater testing in Darwin.

Samples taken from the Berrimah Treatment Plant between September 24 to 28 have detected fragments of Covid-19.

In a statement released on Thursday, health authorities said wastewater can return a positive result even when someone is no-longer infectious.

A person recovering from COVID-19 or shedding the virus can still cause a positive result the statement confirmed.

Further testing of wastewater across Darwin and in the Berrimah catchment will be undertaken to monitor the situation.

The Berrimah catchment includes Northcrest, and the Winnellie and East Arm industrial areas and port, used by freight and transport workers, some of whom travel from interstate.

The chief health officer (CHO) Dr Hugh Heggie said this was a reminder to all Territorians to get vaccinated and to get tested.

“The continued community transmission of COVID-19 in Australia reminds us of the critical need to be double vaccinated. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming very unwell or dying from COVID-19, is to get vaccinated.”

Territorians and visitors are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 if showing any symptoms such as a cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, change in taste or smell and a sore throat.

Strict border controls are in place for all people travelling to the NT from a declared hotspot or public exposure site.

The border controls prohibit entry into the NT except for returning residents, or those who have obtained prior approval to enter.