In Greece, wastewater analysis gives clues to COVID-19 viral load

A chemist puts a sewage sample in a testing tube reading "COVID-19" at the chemistry lab of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Athens, Greece November 26, 2020. Picture taken November 26, 2020. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas

ATHENS (Reuters) - Shortly before a surge in infections prompted Greece to impose a second coronavirus lockdown in early November, chemists at a wastewater treatment plant had already concluded that tougher restrictions would likely be necessary.

Their clue? Samples of sewage from the capital Athens. Daily collections of wastewater are analysed at the University of Athens to determine the level of viral load and the expected COVID-19 infections in the community.