Analysis of wastewater at Novato treatment plant reveals rising rate of Covid infection in North Bay
One of tools used by the scientific community to determine the prevalence of Covid infection in a given area is the analysis of wastewater at regional treatment plants.
A recent report of such an analysis at the Novato, CA plant indicates a sharp rise in Covid infections in the North Bay. The presence of viral markers in the wastewater is a clear indicator of the degree to which the virus is present in the population.
As the chart shows, indications are that over the month of May, there has been a sharp spike in infections; the rate has increased by as much as 700% since its lowest point in April. Covid cases are being increasingly reported, an unpleasant reminder that this viral pandemic has not run its course yet, and may present a pattern of persistence that makes it a permanent, unwelcome fixture in the health landscape.
The measures suggested to avoid infection remain essentially the same as they have been for the past few years: wear a mask in group gatherings indoors, wash hands frequently, and remain at home if infected to protect others. The latest variants do not appear to be more severe in their effects than the original, but vulnerable populations with suppressed immune systems, those with cardiac or lung impairment, diabetics and others with major health problems should remain vigilant.
