Coronavirus fragments detected in sewage at Woy Woy

Fragments of the coronavirus were detected in untreated sewage at Woy Woy treatment plant on Tuesday, August 3.

The detection suggests the virus could be currently infectious in the community.

No case has been identified on the Peninsula as of 8pm on Thursday, August 5.

"An infected person can shed virus in their faeces even if they do not have any symptoms, and shedding can continue for several weeks after they are no longer infectious," according to the NSW Health department website.

"Testing sewage can help track infections in the community and provide early warning of an increase in infections."

The most recent cases on the Peninsula were reported in the 2256 postcode area on August 31 last year and in the 2257 postcode area on December 29.

These are the latest figures available prior to publication, as the NSW Health department does not publish the postcodes of cases identified on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays until later today (Monday).

The treatment plant serves Woy Woy, Ettalong Beach and Umina Beach, as well as Woy Woy Bay, Phegans Bay, Horsfield Bay, Blackwall, Booker Bay, Pearl Beach and Patonga.

The NSW Health Department estimates 41,300 people live in the area.

The department's website advises: "If you live in any of these areas you should monitor for symptoms.

"If you have even the mildest of symptoms, even if it appears to be a cold, get tested and self-isolate immediately."

SOURCE:

Website, 7 Aug 2021

Sewage testing, NSW Health