Ontario Agricultural College microbiologist Dr. Lawrence Goodridge discussed with several media outlets his participation in a program testing wastewater for new COVID variants at Canadian airports.  

In a Canadian Press article – which appeared in more than 50 publications including CTV News.ca – Goodridge described the testing as invaluable, saying “it’s a great way to understand what [variants are] coming [into Canada] and that data then can be used to make public health decisions.” 

Goodridge told The Globe and Mail wastewater testing helps identify the arrival of new COVID variants but emphasized the method “is not a panacea [and should] not replace clinical testing.” 

Speaking to the Vancouver Sun, Goodridge said the increase in variants has made wastewater testing more difficult over the years.