RNA found in sewage can help detect rises in Coronavirus as an “early warning system.” Temple University has been collecting wastewater samples from the Philadelphia Water Department for the past 6 weeks and hopes to begin analyzing samples soon. Please note that it is unlikely that COVID19 can spread via water, and this is being used as a surveillance tool to predict and prepare for further outbreaks.
Link: https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-coronavirus-covid-19-sars-virus-20200625.html#loaded
Workgroup: Pathogens and Point Source