Australian study shows wastewater testing can detect coronavirus weeks before people show symptoms

Scientists have found sewage testing for COVID-19 can detect the genetic fingerprint of the virus up to three weeks before cases are reported through clinical testing of infected people.

The Australian-first study by national science agency CSIRO and the University of Queensland is hoped to enable health authorities to avoid full lockdowns in the future and instead safely contain small areas where outbreaks have occurred.

The early detection means the potentially deadly…