Two-step strategy for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern 202012/01 and other variants with spike deletion H69-V70, France, August to December 2020

We report the strategy leading to the first detection of variant of concern 202012/01 (VOC) in France (21 December 2020). First, the spike (S) deletion H69-CoV (Delta H69/Delta V70), identified in certain SARS-CoV-2 variants including VOC, is screened for. This deletion is associated with a S-gene target failure (SGTF) in the three-target RT-PCR assay (TaqPath kit). Subsequently, SGTF samples are whole genome sequenced. This approach revealed mutations co-occurring with Delta H69/Delta V70 including S:N501Y in the VOC.

Automated summary

The study reported the strategy leading to the first detection of the variant of concern 202012/01 (VOC) in France, by screening for mutations such as Delta H69/Delta V70 associated with VOC and identifying co-occurring mutations like S:N501Y.