State-wide genomic epidemiology investigations of COVID-19 in healthcare workers in 2020 Victoria, Australia: Qualitative thematic analysis to provide insights for future pandemic preparedness.

ABSTRACT:

Background

COVID-19 has affected many healthcare workers (HCWs) globally. We performed state-wide SARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiological investigations to identify HCW transmission dynamics and provide recommendations to optimise healthcare system preparedness for future outbreaks.

Methods

Genome sequencing was attempted on all COVID-19 cases in Victoria, Australia. We combined genomic and epidemiologic data to investigate the source of HCW infections across multiple healthcare facilities (HCFs) in the state. Phylogenetic analysis and fine-scale hierarchical clustering were performed for the entire dataset including community and healthcare cases. Facilities provided standardised epidemiological data and putative transmission links.

Findings

Between March-October 2020, ap

SUBMITTER: Watt AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9168175 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature