The Next Big Question: Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2

Despite a continuous decline of corona virus cases, the broad rollout of multiple vaccines, and the start of a return to normalcy, concerns of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks continue to linger on the minds of scientists, health organizations, and policymakers throughout the world. The knowledge that the virus has and will continue to mutate prompts a desire to not only understand if people are sick, but also what specific strain of the virus they are sick with.  Genomics is an essential tool to answer this question.  It provides a comprehensive look into the details of the virus, it’s history, and possibly even insights into the future. This session will demonstrate the importance of understanding genomic variation within the SARS-CoV-2 genome and will explore the potential for leveraging it to more effectively monitor the spread and impact of the virus as it continues to evolve.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how genomic variation can impact viral properties.

2. Understand role of genomics in infectious disease surveillance.