Cities and towns are deploying a number of strategies to identify the spread of COVID-19 in their communities. One emerging method: testing sewage from households and buildings for the presence of the virus.
Knowing that COVID-19 is present in wastewater can be an important indicator of where its spread may be accelerating. In places where wastewater testing has been deployed, changes in the virus' wastewater concentration have been observed several days before changes in reported new cases.
In this December 3 webinar, we heard from experts on the science of wastewater testing for disease surveillance, as well as public health leaders who have deployed wastewater testing in their communities.
Our speakers included:
- Jeffrey W. Mercante, PhD: Research Microbiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Steve Rhode: Laboratory Director, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
- Karin Carroll: Public Health Director, Gloucester Public Health Department
- Sam Lipson, MS, REHS: Director of Environmental Health, Cambridge Public Health Department
If you'd like to learn more about MAPC's work to establish a wastewater testing program with the City of Chelsea, please reach out to Public Health Director Barry Keppard at [email protected].
Webinar Resources
- Presentation: Wastewater Testing at the CDC
- Webpage: National Wastewater Surveillance System
- Presentation: MWRA Pilot Study