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‘Cause for optimism:’ Altamonte Springs sees COVID levels remain low in wastewater testing
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The latest round of testing from the Altamonte Springs Sewer Service Area shows a continued decrease in the amount of COVID-19 present in the wastewater there; however, it also showed an increase in the percentage of “stealth omicron” present.
According to a news release, the latest test results showed a 35% decrease in the concentration of viral gene copies per liter; 133,551 gene copies per liter compared to results released on Feb. 24 which showed 181,081 gene copies per liter.
Previously, the BA.2 subvariant, known as stealth omicron, made up nearly 2% of the viral gene copies. The latest test results show stealth omicron makes up nearly 19% of the viral gene copies.
“We are seeing virus concentrations remaining at a low level, which is good and is a cause for optimism,” said Frank Martz, the city manager of Altamonte Springs.