Batemans Bay residents and visitors are being urged to come forward for testing if they have any symptoms after fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 were detected in sewage.
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NSW Health said "the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage may reflect the presence of people who have recovered from COVID-19".
They could include "people released from hotel isolation returning to their place of residence".
A spokesperson said NSW Health was concerned there could be other active cases among those "who have not been tested and who might incorrectly assume their symptoms are just a cold".
It is the second time the virus has been detected in the Batemans Bay sewage system, which services the area from Maloneys Beach to Malua Bay.
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NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Nine cases were reported in overseas travellers. This brings the total number of cases in NSW since the start of the pandemic to 4,444.
NSW Health is treating 80 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (96 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.
NSW Health also continues to urge people in south-western Sydney to get tested if they have any symptoms after fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 were detected at the Liverpool sewage treatment plant.
"While testing numbers have increased during the week, there are still too few people coming forward for testing," authorities said.
"With restrictions eased and borders having reopened, now is not the time to be complacent.
"Please come forward for testing immediately even with mild symptoms. Don't wait to see if your runny nose or sore throat goes away."
To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.
To help stop the spread of COVID-19:
- If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away - don't delay.
- Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.
- Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
- Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can't physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back.
