Title
Ratify execution by the Director of Health of the COVIDNet Participation agreement between the California Department of Public Health and the County of Monterey Health Department, on behalf of the Public Health Laboratory for participation in the COVID Network of California Laboratories for SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing for the period of one year, beginning January 27, 2021.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Ratify execution by the Director of Health of the COVIDNet Participation agreement between the California Department of Public Health and the County of Monterey Health Department, on behalf of the Public Health Laboratory for participation in the COVID Network of California Laboratories for SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing for the period of one year, beginning January 27, 2021.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The California Department Public Health has partnered with the Chan-Zuckerburg Biohub to conduct and/or facilitate whole genome sequencing of COVID-19 Specimens. The purpose of this COVIDNet Participation agreement is to include all of County Public Health laboratories to better inform outbreak investigations and public health surveillance. The COVIDNet participation endeavors to bring continuity to how laboratory scientists and epidemiologists approach the detection, characterization, and investigation of SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission and containment.
The agreement allows California health jurisdictions to better trace and track outbreaks including those that would have previously gone undetected, to inform public health action pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 100325. Approval of the recommended action will allow the Health Department Public Health Laboratory to participate in the COVIDNet partnerships that will generate and maintain a timely and comprehensive evolutionary relationship of California SARS-CoV-2 viruses.
This work supports the MCHD 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Initiatives: 1. Empower the c...
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