Covid Update
Published on 30 August 2021
Covid Update
Temora Shire Council representatives met (via teleconference) this morning with NSW Health to discuss the implications of the positive test results in Temora sewage, announced at the weekend.
It was confirmed that the tests returned a positive result in the samples collected last week, indicating with certainty that Covid 19 was present in the sewage. More sampling was undertaken today, and this will be sent for testing with results expected later in the week.
Mayor Rick Firman stated, “The news of the positive sewage test has created a great deal of concern in the community, so we wanted to address these issues as quickly as possible.”
“We have had a number of questions from people ringing or on social media, so we have included a short Q & A that addresses the concerns that have been raised” said Temora Shire Council General Manager, Gary Lavelle. The Q & A is attached at the end of this release.
Following discussions today with Ms Jill Ludford, CEO of Murrumbidgee Local Health District, the hours that testing is available at Temora Hospital has been extended to 10.00am to 2.00pm daily. “We are very thankful for the MLHD to respond in this manner and extend the available testing hours,” said Cr Firman. “I encourage anyone who has the mildest of symptoms to have the test. Do not assume that you have asthma, a cold or an allergy – get yourself tested for yourself, family, workmates and the community,” he added.
Cr Firman concluded, “Our communication is continuing with NSW Health, MLHD and the local member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke to ensure that residents receive the most up to date information. Follow the mantra Stay alert, not alarmed when dealing with Covid and take all the necessary steps to ensure that the virus does not spread.”
Q & A
Where did the positive case come from?
This is an unknown at this stage. It could be a traveller passing through Temora however the most likely scenario is that there are people in our community who have the virus.
Are our parks and sporting grounds safe given the presence of Covid 19 in the sewer and the use of recycled water?
Indications are that the water that has been through the treatment plant is safe however Council are currently not pumping from the treatment plant, so the risk has been removed.
What happens if the test later in the week is negative?
It is possible that the next test may be negative, but this does not mean that there are no cases active in Temora. The testing is very time specific. Whilst we test at a time when it is most likely to be present (2 hours in the morning), if infected people have not used the system around this time, it will not be captured. We need to continue to assume that there are positive cases in the community and take all necessary precautions.
What can I do to stop the spread?
The important issue is to practice good hygiene – wear a mask, sanitise regularly, limit the amount of interaction with others and practice social distancing. Most importantly however, if you have any symptoms, even the mildest of symptoms, get a Covid test. These tests are available at Temora Hospital between 10am and 2.00pm daily. Appointments can be made by ringing 69800200. Results are usually provided in a 12-24 hr timeframe.