Coronavirus in waste water

Bangladeshi researchers have found presence of coronavirus in waste water - a finding that is a cause of concern for a densely populated country where waste management is a serious issue. A team of researchers from Noakhali University of Science and Technology and North South University carried out the research taking samples from Noakhali in July and August, according to reports.

This research was aimed at determining if the environment of an area itself is Covid-19-positive, meaning how far the people living there are exposed to the risks of infection. Such identification, researchers believe, may help reduce risks. However, we have reasons to be concerned about the presence of coronavirus in waste water. Because, littering of masks, and protective equipment here and there enhance the risks of spreading the virus.

Already, according to ICDDR,B, almost 10 per cent people in Dhaka city are infected while many people in rural areas might also have been infected by this time. Despite our good popular response and some positive steps, we have generally failed to strictly maintain hygiene and health rules including physical distancing and waste management. Time has come to take targeted measures to stop further spread of the deadly virus.

Salahuddin Bablu

New Eskaton, Dhaka

[email protected]