The coronavirus variant first identified in the U-K appears to be widespread throughout Missouri … based on sewage samples.
University of Missouri scientists have tested thousands of wastewater samples from water treatment plants, prisons and colleges over the past three months.
Genetic material from the U-K variant is now present in all areas tested in Missouri.
But researchers say the amount of viral particles has stayed stable … suggesting vaccinations and other efforts to slow the spread of the virus are working.
Several other coronavirus variants have been found in sewage samples statewide, including those first identified in Brazil, South Africa and southern California.