Working Paper: COVID-19 and Sanitation What we know so far?

Safely managed water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services are an essential part of preventing and protecting human health during infectious disease outbreaks, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. New research emanating from around the world has shown that the virus can spread through pathways such as faeces and urine, indicating that appropriate sanitation is a key barrier to the spread of COVID-19, like it is for other waterborne illnesses. This working paper presents an overview of how strengthening WASH practices can prevent disease transmission with emphasis on the avoidance of COVID-19.