NSW Health has advised that fragments of the COVID-19 virus have been detected at the Bermagui sewage treatment plant. The sample was taken on 12 September.
This is the first detection at the Bermagui plant, which serves about 1,800 people.
Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick said it is concerning that COVID fragments have now been found in all our sewage treatment plants over the last four weeks.
"As more fragments are found across the shire, the possibility of there being unknown local cases increases," Cr Fitzpatrick said.
"If you live in Bermagui or the surrounding areas including Wallaga Lake, Fairhaven and Akolele, or in fact anywhere in the shire, and you have the slightest hint of cold-like symptoms, you need to get tested.
"This means if you are experiencing symptoms such as headache, nausea, sore throat, runny nose, cough, loss of smell or taste, or fever, you must get tested and isolate until a negative result is received."
Council is sending samples from the sewage treatment plants in Eden, Bermagui, Merimbula and Bega, twice weekly to NSW Health for testing.
Testing facilities and hours can be found at www.snswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/our-services/infectious-disease/covid-19-testing
COVID-19 cases and venues of concern are published on the Southern NSW Local Health District website at www.snswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/our-services/infectious-disease/covid-19-venues-of-concern
For the latest COVID-19 updates and advice, go to www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
