WRC is pleased to share its latest infographic presenting a compendium of various studies in a report titled, “A Compendium of emerging South African testing methodologies for detecting of SARS-COV 2 RNA in wastewater surveillance”. The studies emanate from contributions made by several research initiatives, individuals, academics, and practitioners in South Africa who have responded to the national and global call to action to complement and support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveillance of wastewater treatment plants offers an opportunity for near real-time outbreak data and as an early warning for resurgence of the outbreak. While detection of viral RNA in faeces and urine samples is not an indication that the virus is infectious, further research is required to ascertain if infectious virus particles are excreted in patients’ faeces and urine.
WRC is thanking the South African science community for contributing towards this remarkable progress in detecting coronavirus RNA signals in wastewater. One of the key developments was establishing the South African Collaboration COVID-19 Environmental Surveillance System (SACCESS). The SACCESS partners include Amanzi-4-all, Bath University UK, City of Cape Town, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Durban University of Technology (DUT), Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT), eThekwini Municipality, Instru-Serve, Lumegen Laboratories, Magalies Water, National Department of Health, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Health, North-West University (NWU), Praecautio, South African Local Government Association (SALGA), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Waterlab, Water Research Commission (WRC), Western Cape Department of Health, World Health Organization (WHO) and World Health Organization South Africa (WHO-SA).
We will continue to keep you updated on upcoming Covid-19 reports in the form of Infographics and Science Briefs as soon as they become available. For more information on COVID-19, kindly visit our webpage.
