Sewerage Sampling for COVID-19 in the Warrumbungle Shire

After lobbying from Council, sewage sampling for COVID-19 is underway in the Warrumbungle local government area (LGA) with support from NSW Health. 

“Testing sewage for fragments of COVID-19 has commenced, with the aim of helping provide early warnings of infections in the area, and potentially giving an estimate of undetected infections within the community,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Council requested the specialised testing commence in the LGA and are pleased that NSW Health have supported this request.” 

“The first samples were taken in Coonabarabran on 18 August 2021 and returned a negative result. The second sample was taken in Dunedoo on 23 August 2021 and Council is awaiting these results,” Cr Doolan explained. 

 “Further sampling has been approved with more samples taken on 25 August 2021 at Baradine and Coolah,” said Cr Doolan. 

The future schedule for samples will be weekly testing in Coonabarabran and Dunedoo and fortnightly testing in Baradine and Coolah.

More information on sewerage sampling is available on the NSW Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/sewage-surveillance.aspx 
Click here to download media release 

Last Updated: 27 Aug 2021