The SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA load in Saskatoon’s wastewater has increased by 27.6 per cent in the latest reporting period compared to the weekly average of the previous weeks.

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan say this level of the viral RNA load indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection in Saskatoon needs to continue being monitored. In Prince Albert the viral RNA load for COVID-19 increased 86.5 per cent, and in North Battleford it decreased 33.6 per cent.

In all three communities the infection level is considered medium, and in all locations the SARS-CoV2 detected is the R346T variant. The values are based on averages of three individual daily measurements.