Researchers tested Metro Vancouver's wastewater for fragments of COVID virus. Here's what they found.
New research from the University of British Columbia suggests that testing wastewater can help health officials determine levels of COVID-19 infection in a community, including the rise of variants of concern.
The research, led by UBC professor Dr. Ryan Ziels, analyzed sewage samples from five municipal wastewater plants in the Metro Vancouver region between February and April, 2021, which was a time of increasing COVID-19 case counts.
“The novel coronavirus can be shed in feces, and so many groups around the world have shown that we can detect the frequency or abundance of specific (COVID-19) mutations ... in municipal wastewater,” Ziels said.
Researchers used handheld DNA sequencers to analyze coronavirus genome fragments in the samples. The results showed that viral concentrations in the wastewater may signal future changes in hospitalizations or case numbers in the region.
“We provide this information to our health authorities as an additional aid in their public health strategies,” Ziels said in a statement.
Furthermore, the rapid DNA sequencing means there’s a quick turnaround time for the testing results.
“We provide reports to update our medical health officers in as little as three to four days from sample collection,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
Maple Leafs eliminated from NHL playoffs with Game 7 OT loss to Bruins
Sheldon Keefe told his players hockey history would remember them one way or another.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
Should you save or splurge on makeup this summer?
If you're wondering whether you should splurge or save when it comes to buying skincare products and makeup this summer, we got some answers for you.
Chemical spill could be cause of stinky water in Puslinch, Ont., new report says
People living in Puslinch, Ont. may have the answer to why their water smelled so bad last year.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Ukraine marks its third Easter at war as it comes under fire from Russian drones and troops
As Ukraine marked its third Easter at war, Russia on Sunday launched a barrage of drones concentrated in Ukraine's east, wounding more than a dozen people, and claimed its troops took control of a village they had been targeting.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.