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Lookup NU author(s): Professor David GrahamORCiD
This is the final published version of a report that has been published in its final definitive form by Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, 2020.
For re-use rights please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
A number of significant evidence gaps hamper assessment of transmission risk of SARS-CoV2 through environmental pathways. While various studies have detected viral RNA signatures from environmental samples (from air, water, treated effluents and sewage and surfaces) using RT-PCR, infectivity has not been assessed in most cases. Very few studies have investigated the presence of infective virus using culture techniques. In addition, the infective dose of SARSCoV-2 is still uncertain. Assessments of risk and uncertainty therefore draw heavily on expert judgement and knowledge of other pathogens throughout this document. The level of risk of catching SARS-CoV-2 from the environment is highly dependent on the levels of infective SARSCoV-2 circulating in the population and its geographical spread.
Author(s): Henderson G, Bennett A, Callaghan K, Dancer S, Graham DW, Hart A, Jones D, Kay D, Iturriza-Gomara M, Keevil B, Kelly F, McGonigle D, Morgan A, Noakes C, Reid J, Wilson AJ, Wyn-Jones P
Publication type: Report
Publication status: Published
Series Title: Transmission of Covid-19 in the Wider Environment Group (TWEG), reporting to UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE)
Type: Review
Year: 2020
Pages: 36
Print publication date: 12/06/2020
Online publication date: 12/06/2020
Acceptance date: 12/06/2020
Institution: Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies
Place Published: London
URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tweg-evidence-of-wider-environmental-transmission-of-sars-cov-2-12-june-2020
Contents: Guidance for SAGE on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the wider environment
