It may seem a pedantic ...

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It may seem a pedantic point, but the recent Dutch study, and many others, have found viral RNA  from the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in wastewater samples. This does not necessarily mean that the virus is still infectious.

With so much misinformation circulating on the internet and elsewhere, it is important that things are reported and discussed accurately.

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I do not have links to the actual science but this article suggests that viable SARS-CoV-2 virus is found in feces. It would be very wise to take a sensible precautionary approach to avoid putting worker's, their families and the community at greater risk ...

Complacency kills.

https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-covid-19-spread-through-feces.html

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Harry, I agree 100% that we should not be complacent. My concern, however, is that some sections of the media and ill-informed social networkers read these articles and draw the wrong conclusions. Yes, there is evidence of viable virus in faeces (and there was similar evidence during the SARS outbreak). However various people have (incorrectly) interpreted the recent Dutch study as proof of viable virus in wastewater. There may be a risk, and we should take precautions accordingly.

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Jeremy. I agree with you 100%. People need to read such articles carefully before jumping to conclusions. For a reasonable assessment of the likely presence of viable COVID-19 in wastewater or its risk to drinking water supplies, there’s plenty of good published works on MERS and SARS, both of which are Coronaviruses.

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