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Which Houston-area schools show COVID-19 in the wastewater?

Six schools have shown high levels of the virus for consecutive weeks. All but one are elementary schools.

HOUSTON — The Houston Health Department monitors COVID-19 levels by testing wastewater at dozens of locations every week. That includes samples from more than 50 Houston ISD schools.

Because people shed virus when they use the restroom, wastewater testing has proven to be an effective way to monitor the virus’ spread even when fewer people are getting tested.

You can see the levels in your own neighborhood with the city's new wastewater dashboard.

RELATED: Map: COVID-19 levels in Houston's wastewater

The most recent results from Sept. 6 show more than 30 HISD schools came back negative for COVID-19.

Dr. Loren Hopkins with the Houston Health Department said 16 schools showed a high positive rate.

“We don’t know how many people that is, but there are some that are very, very high,” Hopkins said. “It’s a warning. It’s an indicator. We know the virus is in that school.”

Six schools have shown high levels of the virus for consecutive weeks. All but one are elementary schools.

They include Barrick Elementary, Berry Elementary, Cunningham Elementary, Rodriguez Elementary, Energized for Excellence Academy, and Chavez High School.

Dr. Hopkins said over a year’s worth of wastewater data show the impact of vaccines in real time.

“If a community wanted to really make a difference, they’re going to have to be vaccinated. That will make the positivity go down. That will make the wastewater go down,” Dr. Hopkins said.

High Positive Schools: 16 total

Barrick Elementary

Berry Elementary

Bonner Elementary

Brookline Elementary

Chavez High School

Coop Elementary

Crespo Elementary

Cunningham Elementary

Edison Middle School

Energized for Excellence Academy Elementary

Hartman Middle School

Henry Middle School

Houston Math Science and Technology Center

Roderick R. Paige Elementary

Rodriguez Elementary

Southmayd Elementary

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