Fragments of COVID-19 have been detected at Manly’s North Head sewerage treatment as well as the Warriewood catchment area, leading health authorities to urge for extra vigilance with getting tested for even the mildest of symptoms, despite a week with zero locally acquired cases.
Despite its location at the edge of Manly, the North Head treatment plant actually covers a catchment area of 1.3 million people, so there are not necessarily new cases in the local area.
The plant not only covers the lower Northern Beaches but also out past Parramatta River and into Western Sydney.
The Warriewood treatment plant, however, takes in a catchment of approximately 70,000 people from the Northern Beaches only, so this is more indicative of localised cases in the “northern zone.”
The current “heat map” of COVID-19 cases currently shows zero active cases in the lower Northern Beaches region.
It is possible these fragments relate to already known cases, but it is a reminder to remain proactive with testing to avoid another outbreak.
“There were 11,344 tests reported to 8pm last night,” NSW Health said in a statement.
“NSW Health continues to urge people across the state to come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms. High testing rates are essential to give us confidence that no cases are going undetected in the community. Everyone who gets tested is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19.There are more than 350 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week, including this holiday long weekend. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.
