How ESR scientists detect Covid-19 in wastewater samples. Video / ESR
Residents in Sydney have been put on alert after fragments of Covid-19 were detected at a sewage plant that serves more than 40,000 people across 15 suburbs.
NSW issued an alert this morning after the find at the Homebush sewage network site.
The catchment covers Homebush West, Strathfield, Rookwood, ConcordWest, Sydney Olympic Park, Wentworth Point, Newington, Lidcombe, Homebush, Silverwater, Petersham, Liberty Grove, Rhodes, North Strathfield and Concord.
"NSW Health is aware of recent Covid-19 cases, several returned overseas travellers who live in this catchment," the department said in a statement.
"People who are recently recovered from Covid-19 can continue to shed virus fragments into the sewerage system for several weeks even after they are no longer infectious."
But the health department is still urging anyone who lives in those suburbs to "be vigilant" and get tested as soon as any symptoms appear.
NSW has not recorded a community case of Covid-19 for more than two weeks, after a man from Sydney's eastern suburbs and his wife tested positive for the disease.
Health officials still don't know how the man caught the virus, other than it is the same strain as a returned traveller who had arrived from the US and was in quarantine.
On Thursday, the state government revealed people in their 40s could now get the Pfizer jab at 25 clinics across NSW, with 17 of those in regional NSW.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state was on track to administer its one-millionth dose on Thursday.
People are seen queuing to enter a mass Covid-19 vaccination hub. Photo / Getty Images
"We're really keen to make sure we vaccinate our population as quickly as possible, as safely as possible and in an efficient way as possible," she said.
About 23,500 people aged between 40 and 49 have already been invited to book a vaccine appointment at a NSW Health clinic; 12,000 people are locked in to receive the Pfizer jab.
"I want to thank the more than 120,000 people aged 40 to 49 who have already registered their interest to receive the Pfizer jab. We are working hard to ensure you receive the vaccine as soon as possible," the Premier said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the health department had worked hard to expand its Pfizer footprint across NSW.
