Not just for scientists: Albertans encouraged to check COVID-19 levels in wastewater
A Calgary-based wastewater scientist is encouraging members of the public to start utilizing wastewater data as a way to monitor Alberta's COVID-19 cases and the current risk level.
Dr. Casey Hubert, a research chair in geomicrobiology at the University of Calgary, says he checks wastewater data the same way he checks the weather on his phone.
"And based on what I see – if the trend is going up or down or staying the same – based on checking the wastewater data I can make decisions about when to wear a mask and what kind of gatherings I want to participate in," he said.
Hubert is part of a group of scientists who update an online COVID-19 wastewater dashboard created by the University of Calgary Centre for Health Informatics that shows the average amount of COVID-19 detected in wastewater across the province.
It's updated three times a week, and the last few updates suggest that COVID-19 cases in Alberta are once again on the rise.
"What we're noticing in Calgary is that there is a steady increase in the signal we see in Calgary wastewater. We're measuring three times a week and it's slowly ticking upward it seems with every few data points we collect," Hubert said.
Hubert suggests wastewater data is more important now than ever before, as the province has cut back on the reporting of COVID-19 numbers and now only updates the public on current cases and hospitalizations once a week.
"One of the great things about wastewater testing is that is that wastewater testing still provides us with data even in the absence of clinical PCR testing," he said.
"Wastewater is kind of like doing a PCR test on the whole city of Calgary with a single swab. While we don't have clinical PCR data being reported to us as frequently – or as many tests being provided – we're still testing wastewater three times a week throughout Alberta, so in the absence of clinical testing this wastewater data is really important information and evidence for Calgarians and Albertans as they want to see what way the pandemic is going."
Hubert is encouraging Albertans to use the data in order to protect themselves.
"There is a lot less information being provided (now) than earlier in the pandemic," he said.
"We seem to be entering a phase in Alberta and in Canada where it's up to us to make good choices and I think that's where wastewater data can be really be helpful."
Alberta's wastewater data can be found online here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Canadian activist accuses Hong Kong of meddling, but is proud of reward for arrest
A Vancouver-based activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest.
New York taxi driver hits 6 pedestrians, 3 taken to hospital, police say
A taxicab hit six pedestrians in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police said, with three people — including a 9-year-old boy — transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.