Earlier in the week, traces of COVID-19 were detected in Armidale’s sewerage system. Public health officials reported today that the level of detection has since risen, with NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant stating her belief there may be active cases in the town.
"The levels in sewage have become higher and we are concerned there may be active cases in Armidale," she said.
Health authorities are urging residents to come forward and get tested, with or without symptoms and to avoid complacency.
“Whilst we have allowed rural New South Wales to continue a range of activities which are not available to people in Sydney, we need to make sure that you are still vigilant about signs and symptoms, getting tested. You cannot be complacent,” said Dr Chant.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced a one week snap lockdown effective 5pm today for the Hunter Valley region.
"The local government areas impacted are Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook," Ms Berejiklian said.
The cases in the Hunter region surround two students testing positive at Maitland Christian School and the three siblings that attended Morrisset High School and Lake Munmorah Public School who also tested positive.
The University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus as well as the Auchmuty Library are also places of concern.
From 107,000 tests, 262 new locally acquired cases have been detected in the state.
Ms Berejiklian said at least 45 of those were infectious in the community.