Written statement by Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for
Health and Social Services
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wastewater monitoring for COVID-19
provided valuable intelligence because it can measure levels of
SARS-Cov2 in our communities. The programme was delivered through
a successful partnership with a consortium led by Bangor
University.
Earlier this year I made the difficult decision to halt the
wastewater monitoring programme because of the impact of tough
financial pressures on the Welsh Government budget. In making
this decision I remained committed to continuing work on the
future utility of wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV2, alongside
other hazards that could impact on the health and wellbeing of
the people of Wales.
Our integrated surveillance system is a critical element of our
public health respiratory framework, which includes monitoring
respiratory viruses in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
My officials have been working closely with Bangor University and
Cardiff University to understand how wastewater monitoring could
add value to our integrated surveillance system at a revised
scale. The data from wastewater monitoring can potentially
provide us with an early indication of changes in circulating
SARS-CoV2 as we prepare and plan for an uncertain winter.
I have agreed a proposal that will resume wastewater monitoring
in Wales. It will provide additional intelligence and
surveillance on COVID-19 transmission in our communities as well
as levels of other viruses like Influenza and Respiratory
Syncytial Virus.
Our new approach still delivers significant financial savings,
and reflects how we have begun to live with COVID-19 by
maintaining an appropriate level of surveillance to detect and
monitor the virus in the community, enabling us to intervene in a
timely and evidence informed way.
I am grateful to both Bangor University and Cardiff University
for working constructively with us in the development of this
revised approach. I am pleased that we can continue to support
this initiative over the winter and into next year.
