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News article24 February 20211 min read

Tracking SARS-CoV-2 using wastewater

The European Commission gathers environmental and health stakeholders to implement a European system that traces SARS-CoV-2 in the population using wastewater.

covid_wastewater_tracking_system.jpg
Wastewater Surveillance is essential to track SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in the EU
© Felipe Caparros, Shutterstock

The European Commission gathers environmental and health stakeholders to implement a European system that traces SARS-CoV-2 in the population using wastewater.

JRC participated in a recent expert consultation by the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Commission, which demonstrated the added value of regular surveillance of wastewaters, in combination with other indicators, for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a successful feasibility assessment in an EU Umbrella Study, the European Commission has initiated a targeted EU snapshot exercise to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants. Interested parties are invited to contact us at JRC-WATERLABatec [dot] europa [dot] eu (JRC-WATERLAB[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu).

In this regard, the Commission will intesify work with EU Member States and other involved actors in the context of the recently announed HERA Incubator.

Related Content

Link to report that summarizes the findings of the Expert consultation on public health needs related to surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater that was organized by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health on 30 November 2020 in a virtual format.

Science Update on related SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance employing Sewers EU Umbrella Study.

Details

Publication date
24 February 2021