Since March 2020, Public Health Ontario and the Ontario Covid-19 Genomics Network have sequenced over 27,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomes in support of the pandemic response. From initial characterization of a novel pathogen to identifying the emergence of Variants of Concern, this presentation will describe the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 genomics in Ontario with a focus on applied concepts for public health units.
Topics covered will include: an overview of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing concepts, general descriptions of testing algorithms and specimen flows, individual result reporting to public health units and the Ontario Laboratory Information System, aggregate surveillance reporting through the SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing in Ontario report, sequencing for outbreak support, and future directions for the genomics program.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the key steps in the process for whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in Ontario.
2. Discuss the role of whole genome sequencing for supporting the pandemic response.
3. Describe the relationship between mutations and lineages for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern/interest.
4. Locate and identify key components of PHO genomics program outputs to support surveillance efforts.
Presenters names: Alex Marchand-Austin and Dr. Samir Patel.
Presentation can be found here: [ Ссылка ]
