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.

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 JRC at JRC-WATERLAB@ec.europa.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.