Wastewater Virus Detection Complements Clinical COVID-19 Testing to Limit Spread of Infection at Kenyon College

In-person college instruction during the 2020 pandemic required effective and economical monitoring of COVID-19 prevalence. Kenyon College and the Village of Gambier conducted measurement of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from the village wastewater plant and from an on-campus sewer line. Wastewater RNA detection revealed virus prevalence leading to individual testing and case identification. Wastewater surveillance also showed when case rates had subsided, thus limiting the need for individual clinical testing. Overall, wastewater virus surveillance allows more targeted use of individual testing and increases community confidence in student population management.