18 February 2021
Fragments of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in the Rockhampton North and Maryborough sewage catchments.
The Rockhampton North catchment receives sewage from Parkhurst, Norman Gardens, Kawana, Park Avenue, Frenchville, Beserker, Koongal, The Common and Lakes Creek.
The Maryborough catchment receives sewage from Aldershot, Granville, Island Plantation, Maryborough, Maryborough West, Oakhurst, St Helens and Tinana.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said anyone with symptoms, no matter how mild, should come forward and get tested.
"Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, and loss of taste or smell," Dr Young said.
"It is very important people with symptoms come forward right away and get tested – now more than ever – with the new cases we are seeing in other states and the amount of interstate travel that we've seen over the past while.
"It is critical we detect any cases that we may not be aware of as quickly as possible through our testing system, to contain any potential spread.
"We are concerned by the new variants that are emerging overseas that are more contagious than previous variants we have seen in Queensland.
"It's also possible that this detection relates to previous COVID-19 cases that 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.