Houston sewer analysis shows UK COVID variant is spreading rapidly, one week after Texas Mask Mandate was lifted

The Houston Health Department has made an alarming discovery in the city’s sewer system. According to NBC News affiliate KPRC-TV, wastewater samples collected in Houston last month showed that the coronavirus variant first discovered in the UK is spreading rapidly. The variant was reportedly found on February 22 at 31 of the city’s 39 wastewater treatment plants – two weeks earlier, it was only found at 21 of the plants. The discovery was announced a week after Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he intended to end the state’s mask mandate and push all businesses to reopen fully. “The prevalence of the British variety in our wastewater shows that it is actively spreading in our city,” said David Persse, chief medical officer for the City of Houston. “This is another clear indication that we should continue to mask ourselves, maintain social distance, wash our hands, get tested and, if possible, get vaccinated.”