A warning against complacency - after Covid-19 was found in Taranaki's wastewater

The discovery last week has prompted strong messages from the Health Ministry for people in New Plymouth to get tested.

Anyone with symptoms, along with recent arrivals from Australia with or without virus symptoms, are asked to show up for a swab.

But a microbiologist says not enough people have been heeding the call.

Auckland University microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles says virus in wastewater could be normal... in areas with MIQ facilities.

But she says as New Plymouth isn't near an MIQ facility - and with the outbreaks in Australia - there's cause for concern.

Results from further wastewater testing's due today.