Urgent virus alert for thousands of Sydney residents

Residents across several Sydney locations have been urged to get tested for coronavirus immediately if they experience even the slightest of symptoms.

NSW Health issued an urgent alert on Tuesday after fragments of COVID-19 were detected at a sewage treatment plant in Glenfield, in Sydney’s southwest.

The detection could reflect the presence of known Covid cases reported in recent weeks, but NSW Health is concerned more active cases could still be unknowingly moving through the community.

Suburbs including Airds, Ambarvale, Appin, Bardia, Blair Athol, Blairmount, Bow Bowing, Bradbury, Campbelltown, Casula, Claymore, Eagle Vale, Englorie Park and Eschol Park are served by the plant.

Other areas include Glen Alpine, Glenfield, Ingleburn, Kearns, Leumeah, Macquarie Fields, Macquarie Links, Menangle Park, Minto, Raby, Rosemeadow, Ruse, St Andrews, St Helens Park, Varroville and Woodbine.

NSW Health has requested people in these areas be aware of any symptoms and immediately isolate and get tested if they experience even the mildest of symptoms.

Symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, tiredness or fever could be COVID-19.

Anyone who gets tested should remain in isolation until they receive a negative result.

Testing clinics in the southwest Sydney area include Campbelltown Hospital which operates 8am to 6.30pm every day and the Oran Park Pop-up Clinic which is open the same hours every day, as well as a drive through clinic in Prestons.

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