There has been an unexpected detection of COVID-19 in Ararat's wastewater, according to the Victorian government's wastewater testing website.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The positive sample was detected on Tuesday, September 28, eight days after a previous test came back negative.
The Ararat Advertiser is not indicating the case is in the local government area at the time of publication.
Key points from the government's website:
- Testing of wastewater can show if SARS-CoV-2 - the virus that causes COVID-19 - is present in a geographical area or population.
- Victoria conducts wastewater surveillance and uses testing results with other health data as part of our COVID-19 response.
- People who have or have recently had COVID-19 may shed fragments of the virus. These fragments can enter wastewater through toilets, bowls, sinks and drains. This viral shedding may come from different sources such as used tissues, off hands and skin, or in stools. This shedding may last for a number of weeks beyond when a person is infectious.
- Samples of wastewater are collected from treatment plants and in the sewer network, both in metropolitan and regional locations. These samples are analysed for fragments of coronavirus.
- If viral fragments are detected in the wastewater of an area where there have not been recent COVID-19 cases, local communities can be more vigilant, promptly seek clinical testing if symptomatic, and practise COVID-safe behaviours with increased vigilance.
If any residents feel unwell, they are urged to get tested.
More to come.
OTHER NEWS:
The Ararat Advertiser has removed the paywall from our stories relating to health warnings and safety of the community. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
