Fragments of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in sewage at Port Macquarie.
Be alert for symptoms following another sewage detection
Sep 11, 2021View the latest updates.
NSW Health’s ongoing sewage surveillance program has detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 at the Port Macquarie treatment plant from samples taken on 8 September.
The Port Macquarie sewage treatment plant serves around 54,000 residents of Port Macquarie, Sovereign Hills, Thrumster, Sancrox, North Shore and Settlement Point.
Testing sewage can help provide early warning of undetected infections in an area. Detection of virus fragments in sewage can also be due to shedding of the virus by someone who may have previously had the illness and may no longer be infectious.
It can also be the result of a person with COVID-19 who may have visited the community and has since left the area.
We are urging everyone to monitor for the onset of symptoms, and if they appear, to immediately be tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
If you are directed to get tested for COVID‑19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.
A full list of COVID-19 testing clinic locations and opening hours are listed on the NSW Government website.