Another confirmed positive COVID-19 wastewater result for Stratford

A further positive COVID-19 detection in Stratford’s wastewater has been found following more samples taken by ESR on Tuesday 9 November.

This is an additional positive wastewater result for Stratford since 2 November and Taranaki DHB is now treating the situation as if one or more people in the Stratford community is infected with COVID-19.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Jonathan Jarman, says the situation is serious as there is a high possibility that one or more infected people has spread the virus to others in the Stratford community.

“We need a big focus on testing to try and find the source of this positive result.

“There are obviously people who have not come forward so far for testing and might not be on a sewage system that is being tested in the Stratford area.

“The longer it takes us to find this person or people, the bigger the outbreak and the harder it will be to control.”

Dr Jarman says an all clear result would have supported the theory that the positive wastewater tests came from an infected person or people who have now left the region.

“We know there have been hundreds of visitors to our region over the past few weeks for various festivals and events, so it could still be someone visiting Taranaki, or its someone who lives locally whose had contact with a positive case recently.”

Testing efforts will be increased to try to find the source of the positive result, and the DHB will work with local councils, iwi and Maori Health providers to ensure good accessibility to testing.

Locations of where to go for a test will be updated on TDHB - COVID-19 and Taranaki COVID-19 Community Testing Centres • Healthpoint.

Dr Jarman strongly urges anyone with cold and flu-like illness to get tested.

“It’s almost been 10 days since the first positive wastewater detection so there could already be community transmission happening in the Stratford area.

“Please don’t delay getting a test if you have symptoms, have been travelling out of the region recently, or have had contact with a positive case.”

The PHU also encourages people who attended a festival or event recently and are concerned about their health to contact Healthline for advice on 0800 358 5453.