INFORMATION ON WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE |
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Systematic wastewater surveillance focused on detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants has been introduced in several countries around the world. Wastewater surveillance on presence of SARS-Cov-2 has been launched in the Slovak Republic in 2021 and is carried out regularly on weekly basis in each region of Slovakia. Wastewater surveillance is divided into two phases. The first phase started on May 2 2021 (18th calendar week) and 11 wastewater treatment (WWTPS) plants with the largest capacity took part in this phase. From January 2022, the second phase of the project started at the sites with expansion of wastewater surveillance in several districts. In the 2nd phase of the project, WWTPS cover the areas inhabited by marginalized groups, tourist, spa and border areas. More than 55 WWTPs have been included so far into the project.
Networking with DG Joint Research Centre
We closely cooperate and consult the situation on monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants with ECDC, DG Joint Research Centre and have regular attendance at Jour Fixe meetings of National Contact Points and IT contact points organized by EC DG JRC. Our national dashboard is placed on the website of EU Sewage Sentinel System for SARS-CoV-2 EU4S (europa.eu).
Support to the Member States to establish national systems, local collection points, and digital infrastructure for monitoring Covid 19 and its variants in waste waters Grant Emergency support under EU Council Regulation (EU) 2016/369 as amended by Council Regulation (EU) 2020/521 Grant Agreement for an action under the emergency support instrument, agreement number – 060701/2021/864558/SUB/ENV.C2
Monobeneficiary, the Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic, will carry out the Action by supervising the national waste water surveillance system aimed at collection of data on SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Systematic waste water surveillance for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants means regular collection of samples on a weekly basis from designated waste water treatment plants across the Slovak Republic with a follow-up RT-PCR and ddPCR analysis in the National Reference Centre for Environmental Microbiology of the Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic. Introduction and development of sequencing methods within waste water monitoring is anticipated throughout the Action due to which the existing research activities will be transformed into a permanent surveillance system. The action runs from 08/07/2021 and including 31/8/2022, Total eligible costs of the action: 245 458,71 EUR, Total EU contribution: 245 458,71 EUR |