Nikos Thomaidis, a professor of analytical chemistry at the University of Athens, told local media on February 11 that the load of COVID-19 detected from samples of urban wastewater in Athens indicates that there may be 80,000 to 90,000 asymptomatic or asymptomatic coronavirus carriers in this area.
The Greek government imposed additional blockade measures on Athens and surrounding areas on February 11.
The scientist believes that 10 days after the strict lockdown measures take effect, the load of COVID-19 in wastewater may be reduced.
Last March, Professor Tomedith led his team to analyze the water samples of a large sewage treatment plant on an island near Athens.
The total population of Athens and surrounding areas is about 4.2 million, accounting for more than one-third of the total population of Greece.
Athens’ municipal wastewater is mainly treated through sewage treatment plants located on the island.
The Greek National Public Health Organization recently said that it will establish a national sewage epidemiological analysis network to monitor, record the spread of COVID-19 in the community and provide early warning.
