Rio Dell Has Been Monitoring its Sewage for Signs of COVID-19, and Last Week’s Sample Showed a Sharp Spike
The City of Rio Dell’s wastewater treatment facility. Photo: City of Rio Dell.
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Press release from the City of Rio Dell:
Since October 1st of this year, the City of Rio Dell has been
conducting COVID‐19 surveillance testing at its Wastewater
Treatment Plant. The testing, through Biobot Analytics, samples the
inflow of untreated wastewater in order to isolate the unique genetic
signature of SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) and analyze the amount of
the virus present. The Biobot Analytics testing is done independently
and results have been forwarded to the Public Health Officer since
the inception of the program. Between October 1st and December 3rd
test results have ranged from ‘non‐detect’ to detection at
levels below the national average.
On December 17, 2020
the City of Rio Dell conducted its latest test showing higher
concentration levels than 84% of all quantifiable samples collected
nationwide by Biobot Analytics in the past six weeks. This level is
well above the median national average.
“This information
further supplements and confirms the observations of the County
Health Department.” Stated Rio Dell City Manager Kyle Knopp. “The
virus is present in this small community at high levels. We provide
this information as another tool residents can use when making their
plans over the holiday season and near future.”
The City continues
to encourage mask wearing, social distancing, regular hand washing,
regular surface cleaning, testing and staying home when sick as good
methods to slow the virus and protect the community’s fragile
health systems.
Rio Dell residents
have nearby access to testing:
Palco Pharmacy
(appointment required) 113 Main St Suite D,
Scotia, CA 95565 (707) 764‐3591
Southern Trinity
Health Services, Scotia Bluffs (call first) 500 B Street,
Scotia, California 95565 (707) 764‐5617
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