Citizen volunteers detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA from outdoor urban fomites

Abstract

In COVID-19 pandemics ordinary citizens are overwhelmed by the often contradictory information about transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through surfaces, especially outdoors. Citizen volunteers (N = 39) and researchers, working together for the first time on SARS-CoV-2 detection, searched this virus' RNA on outdoors urban furniture of Mieres (Asturias, Spain) during the summer of 2020. RNA extraction and RT-PCR were conducted using point-of-care technology. A wooden slide and a sanitizer dispenser gave positive amplification of Spike gene. Contrary to expectations of higher virus survival in cold humid conditions, positivity rate was significantly higher in sunny sampling days, perhaps reflecting a higher frequentation of public outdoors spaces. All the participants considered the experience totally satisfactory and declared to have acquired new useful knowledge to face the pandemic. Significant increases of self-declared knowledge about virus transmission and protection measures, and confidence in hands hygiene for COVID-19 prevention, were found in the citizen volunteers following this experience. Results suggest the need for more control of playgrounds and public sanitizer dispensers. They also show how citizen volunteers can help to detect potential environmental reservoirs of disease agents from RNA analysis. Finally, ordinary citizens involved in COVID-19 research in small groups, following adequate training and safety protocols, feel empowered while valuably co-creating knowledge with researchers.