Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley is urging people to get tested if they show the mildest of symptoms after fragments of the COVID-19 virus have been detected at the Bomaderry sewage treatment plant.
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Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced the viral fragments were detected in the Bomaderry sewage in Thursday's press conference.
Cr Findley said while there are detections in the sewage and that the community should exercise extra care, it does not mean there are active cases in the Shoalhaven.
"When there are detections in the sewage, it doesn't necessarily mean that we've got cases," she said.
"But it means that case of someone who is shedding virus, so they might not necessarily have active virus that can contaminate others. But they're definitely shedding virus.
"It could be people who are passing through with the virus.
"When we get this news it reminds us to continue to be alert, to continue complying with Public Health Orders and to continue getting vaccinated."
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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.
Cr Findley added that people should not hesitate to get tested even for the "mildest of symptoms" and encouraged those who will miss work to isolate to reach out for government financial assistance if they need it.
"If people are putting off being tested because they need to work, they need to really think hard about applying for financial assistance under the state government," she said.
"People should not hesitate to get a test as soon as they feel even the mildest of symptoms."
Kiama MP Gareth Ward also reminded the community to continue to follow Public Health Orders and get vaccinated.
"South Coast residents should be very proud of their efforts to date - we have rising rates of vaccination and the incidents of COVID have been minimal," he said.
"My advice to businesses is to ensure that you have clearly explained your COVID-safe plans to your employees and customers. We cannot afford an outbreak of COVID in our community."
Cr Findley commended the Shoalhaven's vaccination rates and encouraged anyone with vaccine hesitancy to speak with their medical pracitioner.
"In the Shoalhaven, we've had a number of scares, that have really really put people on high alert. And I'm really pleased that so many people have been coming forward to get the vaccine," she said.
"For anyone who's hesitating at the moment, they need to speak to their medical practitioner and have a really serious conversation. The best vaccines are the ones that we've got right now.
"And those vaccines could be the difference between saving their own life or even saving the life of a loved one."
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