Weak positive COVID-19 traces found in two new Wellington wastewater samples

The Ministry of Health believes fragments of the virus are being shed by recently recovered cases.
The Ministry of Health believes fragments of the virus are being shed by recently recovered cases. Photo credit: Getty Images

Two new wastewater samples from Wellington have returned weak positive tests for COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health has been investigating COVID-19 in wastewater as it believes fragments of the virus are being shed by recently recovered cases, who have returned to their homes in Wellington after being discharged from MIQ facilities.

On May 16 it was confirmed weak traces of COVID-19 had been detected in wastewater for two days in a row at Moa Point.

Now a spokesperson for the Ministry has received the results of samples which were collected from Moa Point, Porirua, Hutt Valley and Karori.

"The further samples tested from Moa Point and Hutt Valley did not detect any virus fragments across 15, 16 and 17 May.  

"Weak positive results have been detected in the samples from Porirua and Karori on 16 May. The samples from Porirua and Karori on 15 and 17 May returned negative results – so COVID-19 virus fragments were not detected on those days."

Additional samples were collected on Tuesday and the results are expected to come in on Thursday.

The Ministry confirmed there is no risk of infection from COVID-19 in New Zealand wastewater.

"The Ministry’s current assessment remains that the weak positive results are likely due to recently recovered cases continuing to shed the virus.  

"However, this is a timely reminder to anyone with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, especially if they are in the Wellington region or have visited recently, to stay at home and promptly call Healthline (0800 358 5453) about getting a test. Any cases of COVID-19 need to be detected quickly in order to stop the virus spreading in our communities."

Kiwis are urged to continue using the COVID Tracer App and record their movements, along with continuing with good hygiene measures.