A specialist team will monitor the wastewater for traces of the virus.
Sewage in the midlands will be tested for traces of covid-19.
The wastewater surveillance programme is intended to operate as an early warning system for future possible waves of covid infection, with 68 sampling locations chosen for investigation.
They include six in the midlands - Athlone, Mullingar, Tullamore, Birr, Portlaoise and Portarlington.
The findings will be posted on the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre website on a regular basis.
                            
            Government To Support Workers Affected By Fastway Receivership - Peter Burke
        
            Major Oil Spill In Offaly
        
            Growing Industry Driving Rise In Property Prices - Laois Auctioneer
        
            Half A Million Granted For Midlands Outdoor Recreation Projects
        
            New Objection To Midlands Hospice Site In Offaly
        
            Developers To Address Oireachtas On Housing Challenges
        
            Westmeath Residents Move Against Major Housing Development 
        
            Median House Prices Rise In Midlands
        
            Literary Festival Kicks Off In Laois Tomorrow
        
            New Entrance To Laois Shopping Centre Gets Green Light 
        
            Midlands Winners For Family Carer Of The Year Announced 
        
            INTO Survey Reveals Job Vacancies In Over Half Of Special Schools 
        
            Offaly Mother Raises Almost €2k for Down Syndrome Ireland
        
            Laois TD Urges Stronger Support For Tillage Sector
        
            Midlands Agricultural Land Prices Surge 10% In A Year
        
            People Weren't Happy With The Choice - Spoil The Vote Campaign
        
            Cannonball Ireland Raises Over €2.2m For Children’s Charities
        
            Plans Submitted To Revive Fire Damaged Café In Laois
        
            Gardai Seek Help In Locating Hijacked Car In Midlands
        
            Ryanair CEO Pleased With Jump In Profits