COVID-19 fragments found in wastewater

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Tara Murray

Residents of several Brimbank and Melton suburbs are asked to be on high alert following the discovery of COVID-19 fragments in wastewater.

The Department of Health issued a warning on Wednesday night after fragments were found in the north and north-west catchment areas.

Residents and visitors to the following areas between April 18 to 26 and who have or develop COVID symptoms are strongly encouraged to get tested.

The suburbs are Albanvale, Burnside, Burnside Heights, Cairnlea, Calder Park, Caroline Springs, Deer Park, Delahey, Hillside,, Kealba, Keilor, Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Keilor North, Kings Park, Plumpton, Ravenhall, Sydenham, Taylors Hill, and Taylors Lakes.

The Department of Health said while it is most likely that the result is due to a person or persons continuing to shed the virus after the infection period, it could also be due to a person living in or travelling through the area in the early active infectious phase.