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Wastewater test detects traces of COVID-19
Traces of COVID-19 have been detected in recent wastewater tests in the Wacol and Carole Park Wastewater treatment plants which serve some suburbs in the West Moreton region.
This surveillance testing is extremely sensitive and picks up tiny pieces of genetic material of COVID-19.
This is dead virus material so there is no risk to the community or to drinking water.
Positive results do not necessarily mean there are active cases in the area and it is possible that someone who has previously had COVID-19 is still shedding the dead virus.
But it is a reminder that people should not be complacent and so if you have any COVID symptoms, please get a test and self-isolate until you get your results.
The most common symptoms are:
fever (or history of a fever)
cough
sore throat
shortness of breath
runny nose
fatigue
loss of taste or smell
diarrhoea
vomiting or nausea
Click here for Ipswich COVID-19 testing clinics
Remember to stay 1.5m apart from other people in public and practise good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, and washing your hands thoroughly and regularly.
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Mentions: Carole Park · Ipswich
Source: Ipswich First (Ipswich City Council) — CC BY 4.0.