“The dreaded new wave of Covid-19 in France may well be about to materialize. At least that’s what the analyzes of wastewater carried out by scientists from the Obépine network seem to announce. Since the start of the pandemic, these experts have taken samples from wastewater, in particular in Ile-de-France, and measured the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 there. This is a leading indicator, which makes it possible to grasp the evolution of the epidemic several days in advance of tests, calls to the SAMU or hospitalizations.
However, the latest samples have cause for concern. “Day after day, we see a clear rise in the virus,” says Laurent Moulin, one of the network managers. On average, its concentration in the region’s wastewater has increased by about 50% in three weeks.”
