Sewage tested in bid to pick up virus outbreaks
SEWAGE IS being tested from sites across Yorkshire as part of two projects aiming to pick up new Covid- 19 outbreaks earlier.
Samples from wastewater treatment works in Hull, as well as Knostrop in Leeds, Esholt in Bradford and Dewsbury are being used as part of studies conducted by Defra.
A separate study led by Sheffield University is taking samples from smaller sewage treatment works in the Sheffield area.
Early in the pandemic research revealed that people infected with the virus “shed” viral material in their faeces.
Sampling can provide local health professionals with a clearer picture of infection rates, identifying where there are high numbers of people with the virus, including those who asymptomatic or before they start showing symptoms.
Data from the Government- led project will be shared with NHS Test and Trace to help pin down where new outbreaks may be happening.
Local public health departments can then take early action by contacting institutions where there may be spikes in infection.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “This is a significant step forward in giving us a clearer idea of infection rates both nationally and locally, particularly in areas where there may be large numbers of people who aren’t showing any symptoms and therefore aren’t seeking tests.
“NHS Test and Trace is able to use the science to ensure local health leads are alerted and can take action.”
James Harrison, head of wastewater asset management at Yorkshire Water, said testing processes had been rolled out across 10 sites.
He said: “The samples will be tested for markers of Covid- 19, which cannot cause infection but do indicate infection within the population.
“We are still in the early stages of the project, but the data has the potential to uncover new outbreaks before medical testing.”
Across the UK testing is being done at 90 wastewater treatment sites, covering approximately 22 per cent of the population in England, with plans to expand in the future.