Orientation meeting for Global City Sampling Day this Monday, 6/22

Global City Sampling Day (gCSD) is a synchronized event that takes place annually on June 22nd. During gCSD samples of DNA, RNA and microbes from surfaces in subways, buses, airports and other well-traveled public spaces are collected across the world’s cities. This year, Counter Culture Labs is mobilizing its volunteers to help out.

This orientation session will go over the sampling locations, how to sample, where to get and return your sampling materials, how to enter data into the KoBo Toolbox platform, and more.

IF you are able to go out and gather some samples this coming Monday, please contact Patrik D'haeseleer at patrikdgmail.com. You may also want to set up an account at https://kf.kobotoolbox.org/accounts/register/ and email your username to Patrik as well.

Your safety is important to us, especially considering the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, so please do not commit to sampling any locations you do not feel comfortable visiting. Participants will be wearing masks and gloves at all times, but we will be visiting some high-traffic areas that could be frequented by people who carry the virus.

Historically, samples are collected mainly from public transportation points. The locations selected can vary but should be central to your city and be considered a highly trafficked area. It may fall under one of the following location types:
• Transit Station
• Transit Interchange
• Bus Terminal
• Mall or Shopping Center
• Public Community Center

This may differ based on each cities sampling plan and access to locations. However, optimally the chosen locations will have the following characteristics:

1. Located indoors or underground (protected from outside elements)
2. Is considered a public area
3. Is continuously populated during the week and weekend

Secondary sampling locations may be selected if access is limited to areas of high public interface. Optimally such locations should have the following characteristics:

1. Located indoors or underground (protected from outside elements)
2. Is considered a public area
3. Is an interface for public interaction

Examples of such locations are as follows:
• ATM (automated teller machine / cash machine)
• Door handles of public areas
• Crosswalk button/Pedestrian button
• Public chair/bench
• Mailbox/Post drop/Letter drop
• Street parking meters
• Newspaper and magazine dispensers
• Vending machines
• Public telephones/Payphones

Please join us online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/820128495