Sequencing viral genomes of SARS-CoV-2 from around the world is critical for tracking the spread of COVID-19 and accurately targeting vaccines, drugs, and next-generation diagnostics. A massive—but largely unfunded—public effort has sprung up around this shared goal. We are sequencing full viral genomes from SARS-CoV-2-positive patient samples from the East Bay region of California, with the immediate and time-critical goals of contributing knowledge to this public effort and enabling myriad local research studies. 

Initially, viral genome sequencing data is essential for understanding transmission dynamics and informing public health responses including contact tracing and overall containment and mitigation strategies. Our comparative genomic analysis will allow us to understand SARS-CoV-2 genomic variation in the East Bay and how it fits into the larger context of the pandemic. Sequenced genomes will allow us to identify the emergence of clinically-relevant variants related to virulence and potential disruption of diagnostics and therapeutics.

This work is funded by the Laboratory for Genomics Research (LGR), a collaboration between UC Berkeley/UCSF (IGI) and GlaxoSmithKline.