Two COVID-19 cases in Merimbula are false positives and sewage detection at Narooma and Bermagui
Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) has confirmed two previously reported
cases in Merimbula have been found to be false positives.
The Public Health Unit reclassified the results of both cases as false positive after further
tests returned negative results for COVID-19.
Close and casual contacts of the previously reported COVID-19 Merimbula cases no longer need to isolate.
However, the District is asking the Merimbula community to remain vigilant given recent
positive sewage tests and the growing number of COVID-19 cases in neighbouring areas. The Bermagui and Narooma communities are urged to get tested with even the mildest of
COVID-19 symptoms following the detection of fragments of the virus in the local sewage
systems in the last 48 hours.
There are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Narooma or Bermagui, which raises concerns that the presence of these fragments could signal undetected cases in the community.
Everyone in the District should be alert for any symptoms that could signal COVID-19 including headache, nausea, sore throat, runny nose, cough, loss of smell or taste, or fever.
If symptoms appear, people must isolate and get tested immediately, and remain isolated until a negative result is received.
There are more than 500 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. A full list of SNSWLHD’s
clinic sites and hours is available on the website: https://www.snswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/our-services/infectious-disease/covid-19
If you are eligible, please also come forward for vaccination as soon as possible. There are
more than 200 mobile and outreach vaccination clinics across the state in addition to GPs
and pharmacists.
Check your eligibility at
https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
To help stop the spread of COVID-19:
If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay.
Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.
Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
Wear a mask at all times when outside your home, except when exercising.
