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Sewage tests spark new virus alert for 39 Sydney suburbs

Thirty-nine Sydney suburbs are at the centre of NSW Health’s latest coronavirus alert, after fragments of the virus were found in sewage.

The discovery has prompted renewed calls for residents surrounding the Liverpool sewage treatment plant to get tested for the virus.

Healthcare workers conduct COVID-19 tests at a drive-through testing centre in Rozelle, Sydney, Friday, July 3, 2020. Health authorities are urging people in an inner-west Sydney suburb to be alert for COVID-19 symptoms after a local Woolworths worker tested positive for the virus. (AAP Image/James Gourley) NO ARCHIVING
Healthcare workers conduct COVID-19 tests at a drive-through testing centre in Rozelle, Sydney, Friday, July 3, 2020. Health authorities are urging people in an inner-west Sydney suburb to be alert for COVID-19 symptoms after a local Woolworths worker tested positive for the virus. (AAP Image/James Gourley) NO ARCHIVING

Affected suburbs include: Bardia, Hinchinbrook, Hoxton Park, Abbotsbury, Ingleburn, Prestons, Holsworthy, Edmondson Park, Austral, Cecil Park, Cecil Hills, Elizabeth Hills, Bonnyrigg Heights, Edensor Park, Green Valley, Pleasure Point, Casula, Hammondville, Liverpool, Moorebank, Wattle Grove, Miller, Cartwright, Lurnea, Warwick Farm, Chipping Norton, Voyager Point, Macquarie Links, Glenfield, Catherine Field, Gledswood Hills, Varroville, Leppington, West Hoxton, Horningsea Park, Middleton Grange, Len Waters Estate, Carnes Hill and Denham Court.

While is it possible the traces are from known Covid cases diagnosed in recent weeks, NSW Health is concerned there could be active cases in the community who have mistaken their symptoms for a common cold.

“People in these areas must be aware of any symptoms of illness, and immediately isolate and get tested should even the mildest of symptoms appear that might appear to be just a cold,” NSW Health said on Tuesday night.

“Symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, tiredness, fever or other symptoms could be COVID-19.”

People who undergo a Covid test must remain in isolation until a negative result is received.

Find your nearest testing clinic here.

Queensland ends divisive border ban on Sydney

As NSW hit its 70th day without a locally acquired Covid case, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the much-anticipated announcement that the Sunshine State will open its borders to Sydney residents from December 1.

It has been 28 days since NSW had an “unlinked case”, however there are still 13 active cases in the state.

In an incredible milestone for Victoria, the state now has has no known active cases of coronavirus for the first time since February.

The state's last remaining active case, a man in his 90s, was discharged from hospital on Monday.

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