continues to monitor and invest in COVID-19 wastewater monitoring
Summary
On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization determined the current COVID-19 situation no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), however the Government of Canada recognizes that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still circulating across Canada and worldwide.The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to use innovative science and research to inform the sustainable approach to the ongoing management of COVID-19 in Canada by investing in wastewater monitoring across the nation.Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced that Canadian Water Network (CWN) is receiving funding from PHACs National Wastewater Surveillance Program to develop a proof-of-concept pilot project with the goal of advancing wastewater monitoring in Canada. Through this pilot project, CWN will work directly with public health practitioners in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, and in Indigenous communities to develop training and guidance materials. People can also use wastewater trend data to inform their decisions about personal protective measures when going out into their community.Indigenous Services Canada is also supporting this project by providing public health expertise and additional funding to improve the interpretation and communication of COVID-19 wastewater monitoring data for public health officials.CWN is a non-profit organization and a leader in the rapidly evolving field of wastewater monitoring across Canada. The organization helps decision makers in the water sector address complex challenges, and strives to advance, accelerate, and improve water management decisions in Canada.The National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID) is serving as a strategic partner in delivering this project with CWN. NCCID is dedicated to helping public health practitioners find, understand, and use infectious disease research and evidence.