Southern NSW Local Health District (LHD) is urging the Goulburn and Merimbula communities to get tested with even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms following the detection of fragments of the virus in the local sewage systems in the last 48 hours.
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While there are currently three previously reported, active COVID-19 cases in Goulburn, there are no known cases in Merimbula. This is the second detection of COVID-19 in the Merimbula sewage system this week.
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The LHD is concerned that the presence of these fragments could signal undetected cases in the community. The Merimbula sewage treatment plant serves approximately 15,000 people.
The Goulburn sewage treatment plan serves approximately 10,500 people. The NSW Sewage Surveillance Program tests untreated sewage for fragments of the COVID19 virus at sewage treatment plant locations across NSW.
A Goulburn Mulwaree Council spokesman told The Post on August 20 that COVID-19 testing of the sewage was undertaken twice weekly. There had been no signs of fragments up until then.
The District urges people in the area to be alert for any cold-like symptoms that could signal COVID-19, including headache, nausea, sore throat, runny nose, cough, loss of smell or taste, or fever. If symptoms appear, people must isolate and get tested immediately, and remain isolated until a negative result is received. Testing is available at the three centres this weekend.
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At Goulburn, people can be tested at:
- Goulburn Base Hospital 130 Goldsmith Street, Goulburn Entry through the 'old' main entrance. 9am - 3pm Monday - Sunday.
- Goulburn Capital Pathology drive-through, former council depot, 2 Bourke Street, Goulburn. Enter via Bourke Street, south bound only 8am - 4pm Monday - Friday 8am - 12pm Saturday. Closed Sunday.
- Goulburn Laverty drive-through Seiffert Oval, Faithfull Street, Goulburn. 8am - 4pm Monday - Friday 8am - 12pm Saturday.
There are more than 460 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. A full list of the clinic sites and hours is available on the Southern NSW Local Health website: www.snswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ourservices/infectious-disease/covid-19
If you are eligible, please also come forward for vaccination as soon as possible. There are more than 100 NSW vaccination clinics and outreach locations across the state in addition to GPs and pharmacists. Check your eligibility at https://covidvaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
To help stop the spread of COVID-19:
- If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away - don't delay.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.
- Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
- Wear a mask at all times when outside your home, except when exercising.
