Last updated on January 16th, 2023 at 04:17 pm
In today’s update:
- Enhanced genome sequencing for hospitalised patients returning from China
Enhanced genome sequencing for hospitalised patients returning from China
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are carrying out enhanced surveillance for potential new variants of SARS-CoV-2 from hospitalised patients who have recently returned from China given current rise in COVID infections there.
Therefore:
- Please review travel history of any patients presenting with symptoms compatible with COVID-19.
- For patients with symptoms, please send nose and throat swabs for PCR testing to the Whiston Microbiology Laboratory as per guidance at Current case definition and assessment guidance – STHK COVID-19 Guidance
AND if the patient has returned from China within the preceding 14 days, please indicate clearly the travel details on the specimen request form.