A sample of wastewater from the University of Windsor's Alumni Hall Residence has tested positive for COVID-19.
According to a release from the university, daily samples of wastewater are analyzed as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor and screen for COVID-19.
A sample associated with Alumni Hall tested positive on Saturday evening.
"Once alerted to these results, the University immediately enacted its COVID-19 protections and protocols," read the release.
As a precautionary measure, residents of Alumni Hall are now under a ‘modified quarantine’ and are being asked to avoid close contact with others and to follow all public health measures.
On-site testing will be available to residents of Alumni Hall starting on Sunday morning.
The testing of wastewater for COVID-19 is part of a project led by the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research. In addition to the University of Windsor, the team has been collecting and testing wastewater samples from across the region and in other areas of Ontario since the beginning of the pandemic and is now part of a broader network of labs monitoring sewage for early virus detection.
“Early detection of a potential COVID-19 case on campus allows the University to support rapid testing and tracing practices to help reduce the potential of further spread,” said Dean of Science Dr. Chris Houser. "[The project] allows us to be proactive in our efforts to mitigate the impact COVID-19 on campus.”