ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — New wastewater data from parts of Seminole County show increased COVID-19 concentrations.

What You Need To Know

  • Data indicate increased COVID concentrations in Altamonte, Casselberry sewer service areas

  • Omicron is dominant in the sewage testing there

  • No delta-related mutations were detected for the first time since July 

Data from samples taken Thursday show a 5% higher coronavirus concentration in the Altamonte sewer service area and a 49% higher coronavirus concentration in the Casselberry sewer service area, according to Altamonte Springs City Manager Frank Martz. Both percentages are in comparison to the samples taken on Jan. 10.

Omicron was detected in about 98% of viral genomes tested in those sewer service areas, and for the first time since July, no delta-related mutations were detected.

The Altamonte sewer service area has reported a 5,623% higher coronavirus concentration since Thanksgiving.

“They use this like a Doppler radar. The sewage testing allows them to see what’s on the horizon and it’s another piece of information that confirms for them what they may have to conquer,” Martz explained. 

And it is not just Seminole County; new cases of COVID-19 are remaining high across the Sunshine State.

The Florida Department of Health is reporting a 30% positivity rate in new cases.