Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern, Including B.1.1.28/P.1, British Columbia, Canada

To screen all severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-positive samples in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and determine whether they represented variants of concern, we implemented a real-time reverse transcription PCR-based algorithm. We rapidly identified 77 samples with variants: 57 with B.1.1.7, 7 with 8.1.351, and an epidemiologic cluster of 13 with B.1.1.28/P.1.

Automated summary

In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, a real-time reverse transcription PCR-based algorithm was used to screen all severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-positive samples and identify variants of concern. A total of 77 samples with variants were rapidly identified, with majority being B.1.1.7 and 8.1.351 variants.