Positive COVID-19 sewage detection in Castle Hill as testing clinic opens in Rouse Hill

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) today opened a COVID-19 clinic in Rouse Hill to support increased testing for local residents while fragments of the COVID-19 virus were detected in routine sewage testing in the Castle Hill area.

The sample was taken from the Castle Hill Cattai Sewage Treatment Plant last week, which serves more than 8,000 residents in the suburbs of Glenhaven, Dural, Kenthurst, Kellyville and Castle Hill.

The drive-through clinic will be open from 8am to 5pm, seven days a week at 32 Worcester Road, Rouse Hill.

The opening of the clinic was scheduled for today and is not related to the positive sewage detection.

Testing is free, all ages are welcome, and no booking or GP referral is required.

Given the positive sewage detection, hours have been extended for the drive-through clinic at Castle Hill Showground which will remain open until 6pm on Monday 7 June.

It is one of seven COVID-19 testing clinics in the catchment area of the latest positive detection, which also includes:

• Castle Hill Laverty, 14 Kentwell Ave, Castle Hill. 8am-4pm
• Cherrybrook Histopath drive-through, 55 Coonara Ave, West Pennant Hills. 9am-4pm
• Bella Vista Clinical Labs Pathology drive-through, Unit 104, 14 Lexington Drive. 8am-4pm
• Carlingford drive-through, Murray Farm Reserve, 71 Murray Farm Road. 9am-4pm
• Castle Hill Respiratory Clinic, 2/268 Old Northern Road. 3pm-5pm (appointment required)

WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy said the District remains ready to stand up clinics quickly to support testing as required.

“The situation in Victoria is a reminder that we cannot become complacent when it comes to COVID-19. It’s vital that people continue to get tested at the first sign of symptoms and get vaccinated when they are eligible.

“Western Sydney Local Health District is committed to providing safe, easy and convenient access to testing for all who need it,” Mr Loy said.

People who are recently recovered from COVID-19 can continue to shed virus fragments into the sewerage system for several weeks even after they are no longer infectious.

Nonetheless, anyone with even the mildest of cold-like symptoms – including a runny nose, headache, or fever – is urged to come forward for testing immediately, and to isolate until a negative result is received.

There are more than 30 testing clinics across western Sydney – find your nearest one here.

Stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 news at the NSW Health website and check your eligibility for the vaccine at the Australian Department of Health website.