The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has changed its name to the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) as of 1 July 2025. The website address is now www.phfscience.nz. Visitors are automatically redirected to the new address. Please check and update any links and bookmarks.

Wastewater Surveillance Report - Monthly Report December 2023

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

For December, SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater averaged 5.81 million genome copies per person per day (GC/p/d) compared to 5.77 GC/p/d in November. During this period SARS-CoV-2 levels were highest in the week ending 17 December at 7.63 million GC/p/d.

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