Professor Rees Kassen was successful in receiving one of these grants, in collaboration with Ottawa-based company DNA Genotek and The Ottawa Hospital. Together, they are evaluating whether environmental samples can be used for the detection and surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. Put simply, they are developing the methods needed to assess whether and where the virus is present in order to safeguard front line workers and reduce spread. Their project involves the refining of technologies for recovering viral genetic material from commonly touched built surfaces in the hospital setting and track the prevalence of the virus over time in high traffic areas in and around hospital treatment sites. Their previous work in hospitals had showed that SARS-CoV-2 was most likely to be detected in floor samples (rather than high-touch surfaces), and detection prevalence mirrored disease activity across the hospital campuses. Prof. Kassen and his team also expect similar results in congregate living and learning settings.
Having environmental sampling of the built environment for SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, would allow researchers to rapidly identify where the virus is present and track its prevalence over time. This method can help localize the source of an outbreak, direct resources for more focused testing, and potentially prevent outbreaks. One benefit of this approach is that it focuses on the environment, not the individual, and may help avoid unnecessary and uncomfortable testing of people. It is also fast, easy, and affordable, making it a potentially valuable tool for tracking locations of concern as society begins to reopen. Prof. Kassen leaves readers with one crucial piece of advice: Do not lick the floors on a COVID ward!
