Sewage samples are now being tested for traces of COVID-19 on both sides of the border.
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It has not taken place south of the border until now, with the Victorian DHHS confirming an increase in late September in testing sites included Benalla, Wodonga and Wangaratta.
"Wastewater testing is expected to continue for the foreseeable future as an additional and complementary tool to the existing public health response," a spokesperson said.
"If fragments of coronavirus are detected in the wastewater of an area where there have not been recent positive cases, local communities will be encouraged to be more vigilant and get tested."
Positive wastewater results in Anglesea has led to increased testing there.
The addition of sewage testing to Victoria's response comes as testing rares at MLHD and Albury Wodonga Health clinics have declined.
The average daily number of tests done over 14 days for both health organisations have dropped each fortnight since mid-August.
The average number of tests across the 14 days from August 8 to 21 was 71 at Albury Wodonga Health, and 534 across the much larger catchment of MLHD.
That compares to 49 daily tests at Albury Wodonga Health across September 5 to 18, and 402 daily tests at MLHD.
"MLHD and Albury Wodonga Heath meet weekly to share information and are working together to maintain access to health care services for the community," a MLHD spokeswoman said.
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"The number of COVID-19 tests being conducted in MLHD is slowing following a peak of 855 tests conducted in a 24-hour period in late August 2020.
"The District is urging people to remain vigilant, particularly as people travel and gather during the NSW school holidays.
"Testing is critical to help minimise the risk of community to community transmission and to stop the spread.
"Anyone who feels unwell should come forward for testing immediately. Symptoms include a runny nose, scratchy throat, cough or fever."
