Residents in the Daylesford region have been put on alert for coronavirus after viral fragments were found in the town's wastewater.
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The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Thursday afternoon there were traces of the deadly virus found in the Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs region.
The Courier understands that due to Hepburn Shire's almost near-absence of the virus (there were two cases attributed to residents from the shire in early August) the traces were more likely to be from a visitor to Daylesford.
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This follows similar detections in towns like Apollo Bay, Portland and Benalla, also likely to have been left by someone passing through.
"The viral fragments of coronavirus were detected from a sample taken on Monday and further samples will be taken today for testing," the DHHS statement confirmed.
"People who have or have recently had COVID-19 may shed fragments of the virus and these can enter wastewater through toilets, sinks and drains.
"As always, anyone with symptoms in the Daylesford, Hepburn and Hepburn Springs area - or anyone with symptoms who visited the region on the weekend - should get tested. Testing is available at Daylesford Health from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday."
The Courier understands Ballarat Health Services' rapid response team is already working in Daylesford.
Anyone with even the mildest symptoms is urged to get tested by calling ahead for a free testing appointment with Central Highlands Rural Health via Daylesford Health 5321 6654 or Kyneton Health 5422 9900.
Free testing in Ballarat is available seven days a week at the UFS-led clinic at Lucas Community Hub. Tests are via appointment by phoning 43 11 11571. More details here.
Testing site details, including opening hours, are available at: dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19
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