The GHA will soon be carrying out whole genome sequencing of the SARS-CoV 2 virus that causes COVID-19 in Gibraltar.
This will allow variants of the virus to be identified locally.
Up until now, samples have been sent to labs in the UK for sequencing, with results taking up to two months to return.
The local team aims to sequence all new positive cases in Gibraltar within 72 hours of a positive test so that that variants can be identified early on.
The service will be located at the GHA’s COVID Laboratory currently located at the University of Gibraltar which was set up to undertake COVID screening tests.
It will help the contact tracing team quickly suppress any variants of concern which may include those that are known to be less susceptible to current vaccines.
