Linking contact tracing with genomic surveillance to deconvolute SARS-CoV-2 transmission on a university campus

Contact tracing and genomic data, approaches often used separately, have both been important tools in understanding the nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Linked analysis of contact tracing and sequence relatedness of SARS-CoV-2 genomes from a regularly sampled university environment were used to build a multilevel transmission tracing and confirmation system to monitor and understand transmission on campus. Our investigation of an 18-person cluster stemming from an athletic team highlighted the importance of linking contact tracing and genomic analysis. Through these findings, it is suggestive that certain safety protocols in the athletic practice setting reduced transmission. The linking of traditional contact tracing with rapid-return genomic information is an effective approach for differentiating between multiple plausible transmission scenarios and informing subsequent public health protocols to limit disease spread in a university environment.

Automated summary

This study utilizes the combined approach of contact tracing and genomic analysis to monitor and understand the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a university environment. The investigation of a cluster originating from an athletic team highlights the importance of contact tracing and genomic analysis, and suggests that certain safety protocols can reduce transmission.