Sask. researchers see downward trends in COVID-19 wastewater testing – CBC
Decreases of viral levels in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford and Regina wastewater
Nov 02, 2021
The most recent COVID-19 wastewater study from the University of Saskatchewan shows a drop in the amount of COVID-19 virus in sewage samples taken from three cities in the province.
On Monday, the Global Institute for Water Security’s report showed a decrease of 44 per cent in viral RNA (Ribonucleic acid) in Saskatoon’s wastewater samples compared to the previous reporting period.
The most recent testing period for the city was from Oct. 21 through Oct. 27.
The decrease indicates a potential decrease of coronavirus infections in Saskatoon.
Similarly, Prince Albert showed a decline of 40 per cent from Oct. 16 through Oct. 22, while North Battleford’s wastewater showed a 77 per cent decline from Oct. 17 through Oct. 22.
All results are based on the average of three individual daily measurements during these reporting periods compared to the weekly average of the previous reporting period, said the Global Institute for Water Security.
The results from the three cities cannot directly be compared due to different wastewater management workflows, analytical methods and wastewater samples, said the institute.
