Why sewage holds the key for seeing where the virus is spreading

A UK Government- led project is successfully detecting traces of coronavirus in sewage, potentially providing an early warning for local outbreaks across the country and sharing data with NHS Test and Trace.

The programme, which was first announced in June, has now proven that fragments of genetic material from the virus can be detected in wastewater. This can then indicate where a local community or an institution is experiencing a spike in cases.

The results can provide local health professionals with a clearer picture of infection rates by identifying where there might be high numbers, particularly for asymptomatic carriers and before people start showing symptoms.

This will allow local authorities to take early action to slow the spread of the virus.

The data will be shared with NHS Test and Trace and inform where new outbreaks may be happening.

It means that public health professionals can speak directly to institutions where there may be spikes in infection – who can in turn encourage people to get tested or take extra precautions.

The project has already worked well in a southwest of England, area where sewage sampling data showed a spike in corona virus material despite relatively low numbers seeking tests.

This was passed on to NHS Test and Trace and the local council, who were able to alert local health professionals to the increased risk and contact people in the area to warn of the increase in cases.

Testing has now been rolled out across more than 90 wastewater treatment sites in the UK, with plans to expand in the future.

Defra, the Environment Agency and Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) are collaborating on the English programme and chairing a UKwide group to ensure coordination between Scottish Government, Welsh Government and academic projects.

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.”

“We are continuing to look at how this programme can be refined as one of the many measures we’re using to slow the spread of the virus and protect local communities.”

Defra chairman Emma Howard Boyd said sewage could be “a rich source of information about community health”.

Testing has been rolled out across UK wastewater sites.