There is a high presence of Omicron BA-5 in wastewater in all three communities monitored by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan.

SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA load in Saskatoon’s wastewater has increased by 51.1 per cent after four consecutive declines.

The amount of viral RNA in Prince Albert’s wastewater has increased by 86 per cent and in North Battleford an increase of 58.7 per cent, in both cities, the increases come after five consecutive declines.

Researchers say the data indicates the viral load is considered medium in all three cities but the increase shows COVID-19 in is not over for Saskatoon, Prince Albert and North Battleford.

Values are derived by using three individual daily measurements and comparing it to the weekly average of the previous reporting week .