In April 2020, Genome Canada launched the Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN). The mission of CanCOGeN is to establish a coordinated pan-Canadian, cross-agency network for large-scale SARS-CoV-2 and human host sequencing to track viral origin, spread and evolution, characterize the role of human genetics in COVID-19 disease and to inform time-sensitive critical decision making relevant to health authorities across Canada during the pandemic. The network will further contribute to building national capacity to address future outbreaks and pandemics.  Within CanCOGeN, VirusSeq proposes to coordinate and fund expanded genome sequencing efforts and support the sharing of the data within an open, ethical framework. This project represents the BC-based viral sequencing efforts as part of CanCOGeN VirusSeq. 

Over the course of this project, over 170,000 COVID-19 samples were sequenced in BC. This data was used to investigate 750 different COVID-19 outbreaks, identify newly introduced variants of concern, and determine vaccine effectiveness. The data was also used to inform public health policy and decisions, such as vaccination strategy, the wastewater surveillance program, and variant screening approaches.