COVID FRAGMENTS DETECTED IN DUBBO SEWAGE
The Dubbo community are advised that NSW Health's ongoing sewage surveillance program has detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the Dubbo sewage system. While there aren’t any known people with COVID-19 living in the area, NSW Health and Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) are urging everyone to be particularly vigilant for the onset of symptoms that could signal COVID-19, and if they appear, to immediately be tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
Dubbo Region Mayor Stephen Lawrence said it’s imperative people who are mildly symptomatic come forward and get tested, to protect the community.
“It’s unfortunate that fragments of the virus have been detected in our sewage system, however, it is a timely reminder not to be complacent with this pandemic. Please, if you have any cold and flu like symptoms or are concerned that you may have come into contact with someone outside the local government area, that may be contagious, visit a testing centre immediately and isolate until you have a negative result,” said Councillor Lawrence.
“There are multiple testing centres in Dubbo including the Dubbo Showground, which is operating daily. You do not need to book in to attend the drive-through clinic, and testing is free,” he said.
The community is asked to be patient if they are waiting for a test, and to be mindful of other motorists when queuing at the Showground.
“The last time there was a close-contact in the Dubbo region, the community responded really well to calls to get tested, and so I encourage people to do the same again,” said Councillor Lawrence.
For more information on the current NSW Health Orders please visit NSW Health
ENDS
Last Edited: 17 Jul 2023