Fragments of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in the sewage system at the Burwood Beach Sewage Treatment Plant in Newcastle, following a sample taken on April 21st.
The catchment takes in the Newcastle City area as well as the following suburbs: Dudley, Charlestown, Jesmond, Lambton, New Lambton, Mayfield, Elermore Vale, Wallsend, Kotara, Garden Suburb, Adamstown Heights, Kahibah, Highfields, Merewether, Waratah West, Georgetown and Carrington.
New South Wales Health says the positive testing may be a result of people who have recently recovered from COVID-19, as fragments can be shed for several weeks after recovery.
However, there is concern the detected fragments could be a sign of undetected cases in the community.
Health authorities are urging residents of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie to get tested immediately if they develop cold and flu symptoms.
More details to come.
