The study will improve Latvia’s systemic preparedness for epidemics caused by COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. A comprehensive analysis will be carried out to trace the origin and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Latvia, using modern epidemiological and molecular-genetic data analysis and characterising the spread of various virus strains in the country, with particular attention to mass-infection cases. This experience will accelerate the investigation and control of future outbreaks. We will prepare evidence-based recommendations on safety measures in schools, hospitals, workplaces and cultural events, based on a systematic literature review and experiments using innovative methods. We will also carry out a seroprevalence study to assess the level of population immunity, and optimise the sampling needed to detect the virus within a screening programme. A comprehensive study will be carried out on the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater and among domestic animals.

The following activities will be carried out during the project:
Work Package 4 – Complex solutions for monitoring coronaviruses in the environment (wastewater) and in the animal population of affected households.