CoVaRR-Net Researchers

Doug Manuel, Pillar 8 Deputy, Wastewater Surveillance Research Group Member (former Director) & Project Lead

Nazeem Muhajarine, Pillar 8 Lead
Cory Neudorf, Pillar 8 Deputy
Kimberly Huyser, Pillar 7 Lead
Michelle Johnson-Jennings, Pillar 7 Deputy
Ioannis Ragoussis, Pillar 5 Lead
Jesse Shapiro, Pillar 6 Lead

Collaborators

Niels Nicolaï, Université Laval
Peter Vanrolleghem, Université Laval

Lay Summary

Wastewater flowing through our cities is being used to monitor for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, because the virus can be detected in human waste 3-7 days before outbreaks are recognized.

We propose to create a Canadian Wastewater Surveillance Database (CWSD) to:

  • House and curate Canada-wide surveillance data and research testing for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater;
  • Systematically measure and monitor wastewater for the virus and its variants;
  • Identify where cases might be rising, staying steady or decreasing; and
  • Communicate this information to municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal decision makers so they can be proactive in minimizing outbreaks.

Budget

CoVaRR-Net: $150,000 cash contribution