Urgent alert for major tourist hot spots as Covid fragments are found in sewage from popular holiday areas with NO known infections
- An alert has been issued for residents living in two locations of Victoria
- Viral fragments of Covid were detected in wastewater at Daylesford and Benalla
- Residents and visitors to the area are advised to keep an eye out for symptoms
A health alert has been issued for residents living in two areas of Victoria after Covid fragments were found in sewage.
Viral fragments of the virus were detected in samples recently taken from wastewater treatment plants at Daylesford and Benalla, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed.
The detection comes despite a prolonged period of zero community transmission in Victoria – and an absence of local cases in the identified locations.
A health alert has been issued for residents living in two locations in Victoria as well as visitors to the regions after Covid fragments were found in sewage (stock)
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on Thursday confirmed viral fragments of the virus were detected in samples recently taken from wastewater treatment plants at Daylesford (pictured) and Benalla
It is likely a person or multiple people, who are not infectious, are shedding the virus.
‘Victoria’s wastewater testing program is designed to provide early warning of Covid-19, and the possibility that someone is in the early phase of the virus cannot be ruled out,’ health authorities said in a statement.
Residents and anyone who visited the Daylesford area, north-west of Melbourne, from April 10 to 12 should monitor for coronavirus symptoms and get tested if they appear.
Health officials are also urging locals and visitors to the Benalla area, north-east of Melbourne, from April 10 to 15 to keep an eye out for symptoms.
The update comes after viral fragments were found in Moonee Ponds Main and Ringwood South Branch sewer catchments.
Health officials are also urging locals and visitors to the Benalla area (pictured), north-east of Melbourne, from April 10 to 15 to keep an eye out for symptoms