Early warning of new outbreaks

KWR suggests the use of the RNA-analyses of the SARS-CoV-2 in sewage water as a tool to measure the virus circulation in cities or smaller municipalities. The concentration level of the virus can be an indicator for the number of virus infections in the population and can signal in advance a new outbreak, for instance when a lock down is lifted.

Similarly, these analyses can help monitor the effect of measures put in place to mitigate the spreading of the pandemic, according to KWR.