Fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been detected at sewage pumping stations serving nearly 25,000 people in Bowral and Moss Vale.
“There have been recent cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Moss Vale, but there has not been a case reported recently in Bowral,” NSW Health said today.
More than 18,500 western Sydney residents were also alerted last night to the presence of the virus in sewage at two local sewage pumping stations.
“Affected suburbs include North Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Box Hill, The Ponds, Kellyville Ridge, Parklea, Quakers Hill and Acacia Gardens,” NSW Health said.
“Everyone in these areas is urged to immediately get tested if they have any symptoms at all that could signal COVID-19. Symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, tiredness, fever or other symptoms could be COVID-19. After testing, you must remain in isolation until a negative result is received.”
It said while detection of the virus in sewage samples could reflect the presence of older cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in these areas, NSW Health was concerned there could be other active cases in the local community in people who have not been tested and who might incorrectly assume their symptoms are simply a cold.
