University of Guelph testing campus residences’ wastewater to detect COVID-19

Researchers from the University of Guelph say they’re testing wastewater from campus residences for early signs of COVID-19 and could find out this week if new cases are cropping up.

Professors Lawrence Goodridge and Ed McBean say the tests detect levels of the novel coronavirus released in human feces.

Goodridge says previous research has found the virus appears in wastewater around a week before a person starts showing symptoms.

He says the wastewater detection could help the university take early action against potential outbreaks.

Goodridge says the testing began last week at a number of campus residences.

He says results are expected this week that could signal potential new cases.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 5, 2020.

This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press