New South Wales primary school is forced to SHUT with children plunged into isolation after suspected coronavirus case
A New South Wales school has been forced to close and students are now in isolation while a person is being tested for coronavirus.
Moss Vale public school in the Southern Highlands was shut down on Thursday with all students and staff now isolating at home.
'The school will be thoroughly cleaned as an extra precaution while we await the test results,' the NSW Department of Education said.
The possible case comes as residents in several suburbs across Sydney's south-west are urged to monitor for symptoms after fragments of the disease were found in sewerage.
Moss Vale public school in the Southern Highlands was shut down on Thursday with all students and staff now isolating at home
The possible case comes as residents in several suburbs across Sydney's south-west are urged to monitor for symptoms after fragments of the disease were found in sewerage
The samples were found in the sewerage system that drains parts of Leppington, Catherine Field, Gledswood Hills, Varroville and Denham Court.
'Symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, tiredness, fever or loss of taste or smell can all signal COVID-19,' NSW Health said.
'After testing, you must remain isolated until a negative result is received.'
Health officials started sewage testing for COVID‑19 in July, but there is no evidence the virus can be transmitted through wastewater systems.
NSW on Thursday had no new locally acquired cases of coronavirus and just two new cases from returned travellers in hotel quarantine.
NSW Health said the state did not record a single new local case in the 18,466 people who were tested for the virus in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday.
Health officials started sewage testing for COVID‑19 in July, but there is no evidence the virus can be transmitted through wastewater systems
Health officials started sewage testing for COVID‑19 in July, but there is no evidence the virus can be transmitted through wastewater systems (file image)
Even though the state has had low numbers of locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in recent days, the upcoming holiday period would see an increase in social and community gatherings, the department said in a statement.
'It is very likely that COVID-19 will continue to circulate in the community, including among people with mild symptoms or no symptoms,' it added.
NSW Health is urging people to maintain physical distancing, wear a mask on public transport and in places where it's impossible to distance and maintain good hand hygiene.
NSW Health said the state did not record a single new local case in the 18,466 people who were tested for the virus in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday