NSW Health has revealed an alarming number of new sewage detections of the COVID-19 virus, as the state records 1,116 new locally-acquired cases and four deaths overnight.
The deaths confirmed were a woman in her 80s from south western Sydney, who died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; a woman in her 60s from western Sydney, who passed away at Concord Hospital; a woman in her 50s from south western Sydney, who died at Liverpool hospital; and a woman in her 70s from south western Sydney who also died at Liverpool Hospital. All were reportedly unvaccinated.
Of the 1,116 new cases, 408 are from Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD), 372 are from South Western Sydney LHD, 132 are from Sydney LHD, 68 are from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD, 52 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD, 29 are from Western NSW LHD, 22 are from Northern Sydney LHD, eight are from Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD, six are from Hunter New England LHD, three are from Far West LHD, two are from Central Coast LHD, four are in a correctional centre and 10 cases are yet to be assigned to an LHD.
“NSW Health’s ongoing sewage surveillance program has recently detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 at sewage treatment plants across NSW,” the health authority said in a statement.
“Fragments were detected in Murrumbidgee LHD in Temora, Southern NSW LHD in Thredbo and Merimbula, Mid North Coast LHD in Port Macquarie, Dunbogan and Bonny Hills, Western NSW LHD in Warren and Molong, and Hunter New England LHD in Tamworth and Gunnedah.
“These detections are a concern as there are no known cases in these areas. Everyone in these areas is urged 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.
