Thursday, 5 August 2021
I am again asking the Armidale community to be on alert and come forward for testing, following a high level positive COVID-19 fragment detection, in the most recent sample taken from the Armidale sewage treatment plant, announced today
For context, the following sewage samples have been taken recently:
- 27 July – Low level positive COVID fragment detection (the health authorities were reasonably certain this was caused by me still shedding the virus, but nothing is conclusive);
- 29 July – Zero COVID fragment detection; and
- 3 August – High level positive COVID fragment detection.
While, as of this afternoon (5 August), there have been no positive cases of COVID-19 detected in Armidale or anywhere in the Northern Tablelands, the high level detection this week, following the zero reading last week, is of enormous concern.
In the current climate, Armidale Regional Council and Hunter New England Health is testing sewage in Armidale twice per week.
To unequivocally rule out an undetected case in the community, I want to reiterate the importance of people coming forward to be tested.
To facilitate this, the Armidale Hospital testing clinic is continuing to operate extended hours between Monday and Friday (8am and 4.30pm).
The Laverty Pathology drive-through clinic at Airside Business Park on Cameron Drive is also operating Monday to Friday (8am to 4.30pm). This clinic will operate Saturday and Sunday (8am to 2.30pm). Appointments for this service are not required.
Even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat – people are encouraged to seek testing and self-isolate until they get their result.
The message is very clear: Get tested and remain vigilant.
Stay safe and take care everyone!