COVID-19 levels detected in wastewater samples, a leading indicator of potential spikes in cases, found a 32% increase in intensity among city of Albany residents over two weeks, the Albany County Health Department reported on Friday afternoon.

The wastewater samples were most recently collected and analyzed on April 4 at the Albany County Water Purification District’s South Plant, which serves more than 80,000 city residents, according to the county.

"Measuring COVID levels in wastewater is a leading indicator of the Coronavirus infection rate and a more accurate estimation, as it is not dependent on individuals making the choice to be tested," the health department said in a statement. "A spike in COVID intensity will likely mean a corresponding spike in COVID case counts and percent positivity in the near future."

State officials have been monitoring wastewater throughout the state as an early warning system that could provide clues as to whether an increase in the virus is circulating.

County Executive Dan McCoy on Friday announced 93 new infections in the county since Thursday. There are now 15 county residents currently hospitalized with the coronavirus.