Launch Of The National Programme On Monitoring Covid-19 Spread In Communities Using A Water And Sanitation-based Approach
The provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene services is essential for protecting human health during all infectious disease outbreaks, including the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
Recent research has shown the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acids in the faeces of infected people and wastewater from infected communities. Therefore, there has been increased interest on:
(1) the presence and persistence of the virus in water and sanitation environments;
(2) the role of the aquatic environment in the transport and possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through exposure to contaminated surface water sources, poorly treated municipal wastewater, poorly managed domestic greywater, and faeces of infected people;
(3) the use of a wastewater-based epidemiology approach for supporting the surveillance of COVID-19 spread in South African communities. In order to stimulate research in these areas, the WRC has set-up a special programme to support related research.
One of the initiatives under this programme is a national wastewater-based epidemiological study for the surveillance of COVID-19 spread in communities.
WRC will be hosting a conference call on the launch of the National Programme on Monitoring COVID-19 Using a Water and Sanitation Based Approach, taking place on 20 May 2020, 13:00 - 15:00. Follow this link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MAM1s-eSR36DkHu07jvh2Q
Related content
GWOPA and UN Habitat ask utilities to fight Covid
With the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the globe, water and sanitation professionals will play a vital role in ensuring the safety of the public over the coming months. Whether through awareness ...
Online Dialogue: Water Quality, Sanitation and Hygiene in light of COVID-19
This dialogue hosted by WRC aims to share knowledge, and explore effective solutions and mechanisms for supplementing government-led measures for mitigating against the spread of COVID-19 under the ...
Webinar: Sustainability after COVID-19
What does COVID-19 mean for sustainable development? Are existing green economy solutions being overlooked in COVID-19 response strategies? What would an ideal long-term COVID-19 stimulus package look ...