Covid fragments discovered in Cowes wastewater

The state government advised today that viral fragments of COVID-19 have been detected in wastewater samples taken on January 27 from Cowes.

Fragments were also discovered in wastewater from Castlemaine and Pakenham.

Anyone from Phillip Island experiencing coronavirus symptoms is urged to get tested immediately.

Anyone who lives in or has visited the three areas from January 25 to 27 is also urged to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) if they have any symptoms, however mild.

There are currently no locally acquired cases of coronavirus in Victoria. Today is the 24th consecutive day without recording a case.

The Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton, said weak detections of the virus at Cowes, Castlemaine and Pakenham been confirmed by further analysis.

The fragments may be due to an active infectious case or to people who have recovered from COVID-19 continuing to shed the virus.

Viral fragments were also recently detected in wastewater in Leongatha. People who were in Leongatha from January 17 to 19, are urged to get tested if they have any symptoms.

Wastewater samples are taken at least weekly from 95 wastewater monitoring locations across Victoria, including 70 wastewater treatment plants, for early-warning of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Information regarding COVID-19 is available at the Department of Health and Human Services website, or by calling 1800 675 398.