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. 2022 Jan;28(1):247-250.
doi: 10.3201/eid2801.211804.

Monitoring International Travelers Arriving in Hong Kong for Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2

Haogao Gu, Samuel S M Cheng, Pavithra Krishnan, Daisy Y M Ng, Lydia D J Chang, Gigi Y Z Liu, Sammi S Y Cheuk, Mani M Y Hui, Mathew C Y Fan, Jacob H L Wan, Leo H K Lau, Daniel K W Chu, Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran, Malik Peiris, Leo L M Poon

Monitoring International Travelers Arriving in Hong Kong for Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2

Haogao Gu et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

We sequenced ≈50% of coronavirus disease cases imported to Hong Kong during March-July 2021 and identified 70 cases caused by Delta variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The genomic diversity detected in Hong Kong was similar to global diversity, suggesting travel hubs can play a substantial role in surveillance.

Keywords: COVID-19; Hong Kong; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus disease; public health surveillance; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; viruses.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Imported Delta and Kappa variant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections, Hong Kong, March 27–July 16, 2021. A) Travel ban periods from each country to Hong Kong. B) Confirmed Delta variant cases, by country of origin. C) Confirmed Kappa variant cases; all were from India. All infections were confirmed by full-genome sequencing.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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