Council ready to glove up as CHO orders sewage tests for coronavirus

TOWNSVILLE City Council says it is ready to get its hands dirty if needed after the chief health officer reportedly ordered scientists to look through the state’s waste for COVID-19.

The call came after a 30-year-old Blackwater man tested positive to coronavirus after his death on Tuesday.

Chief health officer Jeannette Young has directed a team of scientists to look through sewage to identify hot spots around the state.

The testing gives a snapshot of how many people in a community have the virus.

A Townsville City Council spokeswoman said council was yet to receive any direction on sewage testing, but it was willing to follow orders.

“Council hasn’t had any correspondence or contact from the State Government on sewage testing; however, we will continue to support the state in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.