As continued testing of raw influent at the Block Island Wastewater Treatment Plant shows a pattern of fewer and fewer possible cases of Covid-19 on the island, Supt. Dylan Chase also believes that testing can be used as a predictor to prevent possible outbreaks, particularly at schools.
The latest test, performed on Aug. 17, 2020, showed a possible 10 cases.
Samples taken on Aug. 9, 2020, according to the testing formula done by BioBot Analytics, showed that there were a possible 20 cases of Covid-19 on the island.
The first test done in late July showed a possible 25 cases on the island.
Chase has been careful to frame these as a possible number of cases, in part because the presence of the virus can still be found in individuals after they have recovered, but he was pleased by the results.
“Good news,” said Chase in an email. “Concentrations are going down.”
Chase has also written to Gov. Gina Raimondo recommending that testing of raw influent from all schools might help prevent an outbreak before students head back to school.
“As you may know, I am engaged in collecting wastewater samples for testing of Sars-Cov-2. I would like
