COVID-19 sewage count drops in Saskatoon, Prince Albert

Since the previous wastewater-based epidemiology report, the data shows that Saskatoon Wastewater decreased as well as in Prince Albert.

Viral RNA load in Saskatoon wastewater has decreased by 31.9% as of February 8, 2023. This week’s viral load of 54,000 gene copies/100 mL is the 47th highest viral load observed during the pandemic in Saskatoon.

“This level of viral RNA load indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection in Saskatoon requires continued monitoring,” the report said.

In Prince Albert, levels have decreased by 72.4% in the period leading up to February 5, 2023. The viral load of 40,000 gene copies/100 mL measured this week is the “fifty-five highest values ​​observed during the pandemic in Prince Albert,” the report said.

According to the report, the concentration of viral particles is considered “low” because it is less than 50,000 gene copies / 100 ml and is considered the lowest level in Prince Albert.

“This week’s viral RNA load indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infections in Prince Albert are declining,” the report said.

The viral RNA load in North Battleford wastewater has increased by 146.7% through February 5, 2023. According to the report, the viral load of 110,000 gene copies/100 mL measured this week is considered high in North Battleford.

“This concentration is the twenty-two highest value observed during the pandemic in North Battleford,” the report read. “This week’s viral RNA load indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection in North Battleford is on the rise.”

Wastewater-based epidemiology is monitoring SARS-CoV-2 by the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and Global Water Futures researchers in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and North Battleford. This reporting provides an early warning of infection outbreaks.

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