Fragments of the COVID-19 virus have been detected at the Bomaderry sewage treatment plant, Deputy Premier John Barilaro confirmed in today's press conference.
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The Bomaderry sewage catchment serves over 18,000 people across Bomaderry, Cambewarra, Cambewarra Village, Meroo Meadow and some parts of North Nowra.
Anyone who lives or works in these areas is asked to be particularly vigilant for the onset of symptoms that could signal COVID-19.
Even if the mildest of symptoms appear, it is important to get tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received.
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Sewage surveillance has also detected fragments of the virus in Bega and Cooma in the Southern NSW Local Health District.
NSW recorded 1288 new COVID cases in the overnight reporting period as well as seven more deaths as the state surpassed the seven million vaccines mark.
Of those, 22 were from the Illawarra Shoalhaven local health district, the highest number of daily cases recorded in the region.
The deaths include two men in their 80s, a man in his 50s, a woman in her 70s, a man in his 70s and a woman in her 80s.
"It's really important to knows that I've been commenting in the last few days that we anticipate October will be the worst month for the number of people that lose their lives and also for the rate of people in hospital," Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned.
She also said that NSW is expected to become the first state or territory to hit 70 per cent vaccination, Ms Berejiklian said.
And with that she announced that exercise limits would be lifted in Sydney's local government areas of concern, bringing them into line with the rest of the state.
More to come
Detection of virus fragments in sewage can be due to shedding of the virus by someone who may have previously had the illness and may no longer be infectious.
It can also be the result of a person with COVID-19 who may have visited the community and has since left the area.
There are a number of testing clinics throughout the Local Health District and a full list of local testing clinic locations and opening hours is available on the District's website at: https://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/public-health-unit/infectious-diseases/covid-19-latest-advice-and-resources-6
You can also stay up to date by following the ISLHD Facebook page.
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