Source of Merimbula sewage COVID fragments 'baffling' says John Barilaro

AdNewsLatest NewsNewsLatest NewsNews HomeGood afternoon, Your ContentNewslettersAccountMy AccountLogoutHome PageNewsSportNoticeboardTributes & FuneralsClassifiedsExplore

TravelLifestyleRecommendedQuick LinksToday’s PaperAccess The Canberra TimesNewslettersViewJobsNetworkVideoView real estateMy RegionPress Releases from AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy

PolicyAbout usThe Canberra TimesBay Post-Moruya ExaminerMagnetMerimbula News WeeklyNarooma News Your digital subscription includes access to content from all our websites in your region.

Access unlimited content, as well as The Canberra Times app.

View Subscription OffersBega District News' complete view of propertyHome/News/Latest NewsSource of Merimbula sewage COVID fragments 'baffling' says John BarilaroBy Ben SmythUpdated

September 2 2021 - 11:47am, first published September 1 2021 - 1:30pmBy Ben SmythUpdated September 2 2021 - 11:47am, first published September 1 2021 - 1:30pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopy

Finding the source of repeated detections of COVID in Merimbula's sewage is "a needle in a haystack moment" says NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

Subscribe now for unlimited access. Login or signup to continue reading

50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperAll other regional websites in your areaContinue NSW Health and the Bega Valley Shire Council confirmed on

Wednesday morning that a sample from Merimbula's sewage treatment plant again tested positive to fragments of the COVID virus - the third time in just over a week.

Bega, Bermagui and Eden samples did not return a detection of the virus during the same period.

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said while there were still no known cases in the Bega Valley, the persistent presence of fragments continues to signal the possibility of

undetected cases in the community.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro "The detection of fragments of the virus at the Merimbula sewage treatment plant three times in two weeks is of concern," Cr Fitzpatrick said.

"Since the virus fragments were first detected last week, the number of people getting tested for COVID-19 has been relatively low.

"It's critical we see higher COVID-19 testing numbers if we are going to find the source of these virus fragments."

READ ALSO: Bega sewage now to be included in COVID surveillance program

In speaking with regional journalists at his daily briefing, Mr Barilaro said there had been "significant movement" in sewage detections across the state, including Merimbula as well as

Cooma and a new detection reported Wednesday at Thredbo.

"The reality here is we know there's movement along that region, we know there are cases either in Sydney or in Canberra, we know there's that interconnectivity," Mr Barilaro said.

"It could be freight drivers that have been picked up elsewhere that have gone through the region. We don't know.

"This is the fishing exercise, or the needle in the haystack moment where you try to work through."

READ ALSO: Delta variant death toll reaches 100 in NSW

Mr Barilaro said sewage surveillance had been "a very important tool and one that has led to cases becoming known in a lot of scenarios".

However, "at this stage Merimbula still baffles us".

"It's always concerning when there's sewage detection. They are a good predictor of cases and have done so in the past.

"We can't rule out there isn't someone in the community with COVID, or maybe it is someone who has come through...possibly someone who has come through and then been picked up [in case

numbers] elsewhere.

"So again, remain vigilant and get tested."

The Merimbula sewage treatment plant serves approximately 7000 people covering Merimbula, Pambula, Pambula Beach, South Pambula, Mirador, Berrambool and parts of Millingandi.

Cr Fitzpatrick said regularly emptied commercial pump-out tank systems in the shire also feed into the Merimbula plant.

Our coverage of the health and safety aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is free for all readers. However the Bega District News relies on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If

you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.

ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyBen SmythEditorI have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula, Eden, Batemans Bay

and NaroomaI have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula, Eden, Batemans Bay and NaroomaMore from Latest

News'Legendary': jackpot lottery winner yet to claim $100m1hr agoMomentum building for global plastic pollution pact1hr agoTeens wanted over shopping centre, bus stop attacksStanding firm on

Aussie talent in the streaming eraSoak in ocean views from behind floor-to-ceiling glass in this large homeNo commentsWhat this brave young woman's sex assault case says about our justice

systemNo commentsNewsletters & AlertsView all Daily

Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team.

Loading... Weekly

Note from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Loading... Weekly

Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Loading... Weekdays

The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Loading... Weekly

Today's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Loading... Weekly

Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Loading... Twice weekly

The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Loading... Twice weekly

Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Loading... As it happens

Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.

Loading... Advertisement

Ad Advertisement

AdAustralian Community MediaACM WebsiteConditions of UsePrivacyTerms and Conditions - Digital SubscriptionTerms and Conditions - Newspaper SubscriptionBega District NewsContactAbout

UsWorking With UsToday's PaperHelp CentreOur SitesViewView InsuranceBeevoBusinessPlace an AdClassifiedsCarsTributes & FuneralsCelebrationsPromo CodesAgTraderMeHelpFarmer's FinanceGarage

SalesSubmitSend a Letter to the EditorSend us your news