Genomic Evidence of In-Flight Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Despite Predeparture Testing

Abstract

Since the first wave of coronavirus disease in March 2020, citizens and permanent residents returning to New Zealand have been required to undergo managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) for 14 days and mandatory testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of October 20, 2020, of 62,698 arrivals, testing of persons in MIQ had identified 215 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among 86 passengers on a flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that arrived in New Zealand on September 29, test results were positive for 7 persons in MIQ. These passengers originated from 5 different countries before a layover in Dubai; 5 had negative predeparture SARS-CoV-2 test results. To assess possible points of infection, we analyzed information about their journeys, disease progression, and virus genomic data. All 7 SARS-CoV-2 genomes were genetically identical, except for a single mutation in 1 sample. Despite predeparture testing, multiple instances of in-flight SARS-CoV-2 transmission are likely.

Emergence and Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Lineages B.1.1.7 and P.1 in Italy

“…We previously showed that virus importation associated with travel, followed by local transmission, were key drivers of viral spread during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 in Italy [ 16 ]. After a year into the pandemic, lockdown restrictions have proven effective in reducing virus transmission and limiting geographic spread [ 17 ], although international travel is still a major source for the introduction of new lineages into Italy [ 18 ]. Here we show how the B.1.1.7 and P.1 variants entered Italy before the implementation of border closures and that these two variants have subsequently spread rapidly across the country.…”

Lack of N2-gene amplification on the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay and potential novel causative mutations: A case series from Auckland, New Zealand

“…Samples were tested using combinations of the following assays: Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA); E-gene RT-PCR laboratory developed test (LDT) [ 3 ] on Panther Fusion (Hologic, Marlborough, MA, USA); TaqPath COVID-19 RT-PCR Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) on LightCycler 480 (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland); MiRXES Fortitude Kit 2.1 (MiRXES, Singapore) on LightCycler 480; BioFire FilmArray Respiratory 2.1 panel (BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, UT, USA); Aptima SARS-CoV-2 Assay (Hologic, Marlborough, MA, USA) on Panther Fusion. Whole-genome sequencing was undertaken using a 1200-bp amplicon protocol and Oxford Nanopore Rapid barcoding R9.0 sequencing method [ 4 ].…”

Risk assessment for the transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) on aircraft: a systematic review

“…Additionally, there have been multiple reports of possible and documented in flight transmission events of the new SARS-CoV-2 [33,34].…”

“…Secondary cases in these flights occurred in passengers sitting from two rows away from the index case up to 10 rows away. Additionally, there have been multiple reports of possible and documented in-flight transmission events of the new SARS-CoV-2 [ 33 , 34 ].…”