3 February 2021
Fragments of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in the Mackay North and Cairns Marlin Coast sewage catchments.
Mackay North receives sewage from the suburbs of Beaconsfield, Richmond, Shoal Point, Bucasia, Blacks Beach, Rural View, Eimeo and Dolphin Heads, while Cairns Marlin Coast receives sewage from the suburbs of Barron, Kamerunga, Macalister Range, Yorkeys Knob, Caravonica, Trinity Beach, Smithfield, Palm Cove, Trinity Park, Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said continued detections across the state is becoming more concerning.
“We continue to urge anyone with any symptoms, no matter how mild to come forward and get tested,” Dr Young said.
“Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, and loss of taste or smell.
“This is especially important now more than ever, as we know the new variants emerging overseas are more contagious than previous variants we have seen in Queensland.
“If there is a case we are not yet aware of, it is critical we detect it through our testing mechanisms as quickly as possible to contain any potential spread.
“It is, of course, also possible that this detection relates to previous COVID-19 cases who can shed viral fragments for a couple of months after they are no longer infectious.”
For more information about Queensland’s wastewater surveillance program, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/wastewater.
To access a full list of COVID-19 testing locations, with interactive map and post code search, visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/stay-informed/testing-and-fever-clinics.
If your local testing clinic is crowded, consider attending another one.