Hunter New England Health claim it's highly likely Tamworth's single confirmed COVID-19 case is not the source of recent sewage detection

The result of a sewage sample taken from Tamworth on Wednesday was returned on Friday and found traces of the virus.

Hunter New England Health (HNEH) told the Leader the community needed to be vigilant and seek a COVID-19 swab if symptoms develop.

"Based on what we know about the previously announced Tamworth case, it is highly likely that this case is not the source of the recent viral fragments detected at the local sewage plant," a statement from HNEH said.

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The case had already been deemed low risk and it is understood the patient is isolating on the outskirts of Tamworth.

HNEH confirmed information public health officials have so far is that the case "is not isolating within the Tamworth wastewater catchment".

The authority said anyone with even mild cold or flu symptoms, or even fatigue, new muscle aches, a new runny nose or a change in taste or smell needed to seek a swab immediately.

It's been a rollercoaster ride for Tamworth after six positive detections in a row were followed by three consecutive negative tests over the past two weeks, before this most recent positive detection.

No parts of the New England North West are currently in lockdown except for Walgett.

The most recent sewage samples from Uralla, Armidale and Inverell have come back not detecting the COVID-19 virus.

The most recent test from Glen Innes does show traces of the virus, though there are two known COVID-19 cases isolating there.

HNEH data shows more than 2000 people were tested in the Tamworth region in the seven days to Wednesday.

Testing sites locally include the Tamworth hospital, the Plain Street drive-through, Tamworth Respiratory Clinic and Douglass Hanly Moir by appointment.

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