Scientists have analysed nearly 700 genome sequences from Covid-19 cases in New Zealand and found most transmission ‘lineages' linked back to North America. Kiwi scientists tracking the origins of Covid-19 in New Zealand found most cases leading to infections came from North America, rather than Asia, where the virus first emerged. Genomic sequencing – sequencing the genetic material, or DNA, of an organism – can quickly tell scientists where a specific case came from, allowing them to distinguish it from other cases in the community. READ MORE:* Coronavirus: NZ marks 100 days since last community transmission Covid-19 case* Coronavirus: Genome sequencing shows NZ Covid-19 cases originated in Australia, Europe, China* Coronavirus: New Zealand outbreak could have started from just 35 cases, scientists sayOf these, they estimate 24 per cent led to only one other secondary case. Sunday will mark 100 days since the last Covid-19 case was acquired through community transmission in New Zealand.

Source: Stuff August 08, 2020 04:07 UTC