Queensland Health has partnered with researchers from the University of Queensland and the CSIRO to deliver a wastewater surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The results from this program will add to the information obtained through clinical testing and enhance Queensland Health’s already comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The wastewater test results map does not support Internet Explorer. Please see the complete four week data in the table below, or view this page in an alternative browser.
The detection at Bundaberg on the week starting 21 December 2020 applies to Bargara as well.
The test detects SARS-CoV-2 genetic material. Detections may be related to a recovered case who is still shedding but is no longer infectious, or may indicate that there is an infectious person living or visiting the area who has not yet been identified.
A detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater will be considered carefully alongside other information available to Queensland Health, such as recent known cases of COVID-19 in that area. Typically, an expert panel will be convened by the public health unit to evaluate the circumstances surrounding each detection of SARS-CoV-2 and advise on further measures if necessary.
Any detections highlight the importance of getting tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Find information about symptoms of COVID-19 and the locations of fever clinics across Queensland. Stay home and isolate until you get the results and your symptoms resolve.
The wastewater surveillance program is currently transitioning from a pilot program to routine monitoring at more sites. Sites added recently won’t have historical results. In rare instances, there can be issues with taking and transporting samples to the laboratory for analysis.
Locations for sample collection have been chosen to represent larger population centres, popular holiday towns and some communities close to the border with NSW. New locations for collection of wastewater samples are being added in the lead up to the holiday season, so please check back to see if your community has been added to the program.
Queensland’s wastewater surveillance program commenced in late July 2020. Though this page shows only the most recent results, all results will be made available on the Open Data Portal in the near future.
Wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 is being or has been practised in other states in Australia, as well as in Canada, Spain, The Netherlands, New Zealand, the United States and other countries.