On May 14, 2020,The Scientist reported that researchers from several countries including the US, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, and France have all reported the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, suggesting that sewage monitoring could allow authorities to detect fresh outbreaks and keep an eye on existing ones.

Scientists in Spain will begin regularly analyzing sewage for traces of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Pending budget approval, researchers will carry out the work for at least a year.