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The primary treatment basins of the Eureka wastewater treatment plant. Photo: Hank Sims
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City of Eureka press release:
The city of Eureka has been informed of an above-average concentration of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the wastewater flowing to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Samples from the plant, which serves the greater Eureka area including Myrtletown, Cutten and Pine Hill, were collected through the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), a federal program designed to help public health officials monitor the spread of COVID-19. Of all samples submitted nationally in the past six weeks, local sewage contained concentrations greater than 99% of all samples.
This report coincides with last Friday’s announcement from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services that the county had seen its highest number of single-day confirmed cases of COVID-19 last week and l ‘subsequent announcement yesterday that more than 90 additional cases had been confirmed since last week’s report. .
“While this is another useful data point that can help our community make more informed decisions to protect themselves from transmission, it is extremely important to remember that this is a testing of wastewater and not drinking water. At no time has local drinking water been threatened during the pandemic and it remains safe to drink, ”said Brian Gerving, Director of Public Works for the City of Eureka. “However, knowing that the virus can spread locally at higher levels than in other parts of the country is important information that helps public health officials monitor and respond. We are making this information public so that citizens can also take early action and remember to follow all instructions to better protect themselves and their families. “
The town of Eureka has participated in the federally funded National Wastewater Monitoring System (NWSS) since June. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with federal government agencies, launched this program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By testing wastewater for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, health officials are better able to understand and predict community trends related to COVID infection rates. 19. Wastewater analysis has been used around the world to monitor the spread of harmful diseases.
“As much as we would like, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet,” said Humboldt County health official Ian Hoffman, MD “Vaccination is still the best measure to keep you safe and protect yourself the community against COVID-19. Masking and social distancing are also advised. These new local data, including both the increase in the number of cases and now the results of wastewater testing, are cause for concern. Everyone must continue to do their part to protect themselves and each other. ”
Citing the increased spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 nationwide, the CDC currently recommends that all people, regardless of their immunization status, wear a mask indoors in public in areas of viral transmission. large or high. Humboldt County has now reached that threshold. The Humboldt County Administration and the City of Eureka now require anyone entering county or city facilities to wear a face covering, regardless of their immunization status.
To view the full biobot report, visit this link.
For more information on wastewater testing, visit this link.
For more information on COVID-19 conditions locally, including where to get vaccinated, visit this link.
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