Cowra Sewage Tests Negative But Vigilancy Urged

The Western NSW Local Health District is urging residents of Cowra to remain vigilant, despite the positive news that COVID-19 has not been detected in Cowra’s sewage system.

At the time of writing, two samples had been taken by Cowra Shire Council, which had previously requested to join the NSW Health Sewage Surveillance Program, on August 19 and August 24, with both returning negative results. A third sample is expected to be taken this week, with NSW Health typically testing sewage sites three times. Cowra Shire is still yet to record its first case of COVID-19, but with nearby Blayney, Forbes, Parkes, Orange and Bathurst, there is a high risk of the virus arriving.

Despite there being no evidence that COVID-19 is present in Cowra, Western NSW Local Health District CEO Scott McLachlan said it was important for people all over the western region to get tested if they have any symptoms, no matter how mild.

“Don’t let sniffles get into full-blown COVID or other problems. Don’t let the little scratchy throat that you’ve got go for a couple of hours. Go and get tested quickly. This is not a time to mess around in our region,” he said.

“If you’ve been tested once then don’t hesitate in coming back for a second time if you’ve had symptoms develop.” Meanwhile, as Cowra prepares for its pop-up COVID vaccine clinic this weekend, vaccination rates have been very high so far in the shire.

According to data published on the NSW Health website, 60%-79% of Cowra residents aged 16 and over have had their first dose of the vaccine, while 30%-49% have had their second dose.

The ADF-supported WNSWLHD vaccination surge hits Cowra this weekend, with anyone aged 16 years and over able to get vaccinated without a booking.

The pop-up clinic will be held at the Cowra Showground pavilion from 10am-4pm on Saturday, 3rd September, and 9am-3pm, with both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines on offer.

• Topics:
• Health Smart
• Covid-19