Tests are being carried out at sewage plants across England as the government tries to get a “head start” on where new coronavirus outbreaks may happen.

During the trials, experts at 44 treatment works will be analysing samples of wastewater for fragments of the disease.

Tests can detect the genetic residues of Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The residues could be used to discover the presence of the virus in the population, including among those who do not have symptoms or before they develop them.

People infected with coronavirus are believed to shed it in their faeces.

The World Health Organisation has said there is no evidence that COVID-19 has been transmitted through sewerage systems, but scientists believe nationwide monitoring of them could be a good way to identify future hotspots.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “We are working closely with researchers, water companies and devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to monitor for fragments of coronavirus genetic material in wastewater.

“The aim of this new research is to give us a head start on where new outbreaks are likely to occur. Sampling has started across the country to further test the effectiveness of this new science.

“Research remains at an early stage and we are still refining our methods.”

Last month, France declared a significant rise in coronavirus cases, as researchers said traces of COVID-19 were again being found in Paris’s sewerage system.

And in June, scientists claimed COVID-19 could have been present in Italy as early as December, after they found traces of the virus in sewage water collected from Milan and Turin.

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