A joint pilot research program involving Queensland Health, the University of Queensland and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has found a positive result for viral fragments of COVID-19 in sewage at the Carole Park treatment plant in Ipswich.
The sample, taken last month, was one of a number collected at 18 locations across Queensland.
While positive results have been reported at several areas across the State in recent weeks, Chief Health Officer, Jeannette Young said the Ipswich result was of particular concern.
“Positive results from a month ago were most likely caused by virus shedding from a case that was no longer infectious,” Dr Young said.
“Viral shedding can occur for several weeks after recovery from COVID-19,” she said.
“We have had several weeks worth of negative results at this wastewater testing location since the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre cluster.
“We are uncertain about the cause of this positive result.”
She said there was a very real possibility the wastewater result was a sign of one or more undetected positive COVID-19 cases in the Ipswich community.
“We are calling on the Ipswich community to get tested immediately if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild,” Dr Young said.
“The discovery of these fragments is a reminder that we should not be complacent and need to keep in place good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing and get tested when sick.”
However, Dr Young reassured the community that local drinking water was thoroughly treated through processes that were designed to remove or kill micro-organisms before they reached domestic taps.
“There is no risk when drinking water, showering, watering the garden, swimming or other activities,” she said.
