After the startling news of an ‘operational error’ in their sewage testing, Byron Shire Council welcomed confirmation from NSW Health late yesterday afternoon that testing of wastewater, as at 30 December 2020, revealed no trace of COVID-19.
It comes after no test results were available for four weeks in November-December.
Council has been providing wastewater samples upon request to NSW Health as part of its Sewage Surveillance Program since July last year.
Sample was frozen
Council was aware that one of its samples for the week 16-22 December was unable to be used because it was frozen.
This happened after the courier failed to pick up the sample and staff put it in the freezer. Unfortunately the frozen sample could not be used and Council apologises for this error.
In discussions with the Sydney Water laboratory yesterday as to why the other three test results were not available on the NSW Health website it was revealed that there were problems with the courier delivery process after the samples were collected from Council.
One sample froze during delivery to the laboratory.
Unexpected delays with couriers
The remaining two samples were not able to be used as unexpected delays with the couriers resulted in those samples being delivered to the Sydney Water laboratory above the temperature specification for analysis.
In order to rectify the logistic issues associated with collection and delivery of these samples, Council has been working with the Sydney Water Laboratory and NSW Health and is now using a different courier service to ensure samples reach the lab in a suitable state for testing.
Council understands how important it is for the community to have faith that all is being done to stem the spread of COVID-19, especially during busy holiday times.
Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19
John Scrivener, Main Arm
A careful analysis of Cult Covid must clearly distinguish between four separate and distinct yet interconnected categories of phenomena, namely 1) a virus, 2) an illness, 3) a media hyped narrative, and 4) government imposed restrictions.... Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has introduced new health measures for travellers arriving from Melbourne, after several Melbourne venues were linked to a confirmed COVID case. New research has revealed climate change, environmental degradation and human activity are creating a perfect storm for more deadly pandemics like COVID-19.
Scientists from the University of Western Australia (UWA) say COVID-19 has highlighted the critical need to reduce human impacts... Queensland Health is asking anyone who has arrived from New Zealand since 14 January, including on green corridor flights, to get tested and quarantine until they receive a negative test result. The Health Services Union has called on Lismore City Council to reconsider a decision to cancel free all-day street parking at Lismore Base Hospital. Many businesses and in particular small business, have been really struggling under the weight of COVID-19 and with the rollback of Jobkeeper, things have just gotten tougher. New research shows people who pursue meaningful activities – things they enjoy doing – during lockdown feel more satisfied than those who simply keep themselves busy Queensland Health says that the partner of the quarantine hotel cleaner who tested positive to the UK variant of COVID-19 on 7 January 2021, has also tested positive to COVID-19. Former Greens MLC Ian Cohen has lashed out at councillors for their lack of preparation for NYE. The Mayor of Tweed Chris Cherry says she supports the swift action of the Queensland Government in introducing a 3-day lockdown of the Greater Brisbane area in response to a COVID-19 case.Cult Covid
Ballina Airport responds to Melbourne COVID scare
Human activity, climate change risk more pandemics
Queensland Health issues public health alert
Keep free parking at LBH – HSU and Saffin
Access to capital critical for small business
Meaningful lockdown more satisfying than busyness
UK variant of COVID-19 linked to hotel cleaner
Former MLC critical of councillors in NYE aftermath
Tweed mayor supports Brisbane lockdown