Sub genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 using short read amplicon-based sequencing.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a serious public health risk. In this report, we present a modified sequencing workflow using short tiling (280bp) amplicons library preparation method paired with Illumina's iSeq100 desktop sequencer. We demonstrated the utility of our workflow in identifying gapped reads that capture characteristics of subgenomic RNA junctions within our patient cohort.

Technology-enabled virtual ward for COVID management of the elderly and immunocompromised in Singapore: a descriptive cohort.

Background: To address the hospital bed demand for Delta and Omicron surges in Singapore, the National University Health System (NUHS) developed a COVID Virtual Ward to relieve bed pressures on its three acute hospitals-National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Alexandra Hospital. To serve a multilingual population, the COVID Virtual Ward featuring protocolized teleconsultation of high-risk patients, use of a vital signs chatbot, supplemented by home visits where necessary. This study aims to evaluate the safety, outcomes and utilisation of the Virtual Ward as a scalable response to COVID-19 surges.

A blood RNA transcriptome signature for COVID-19.

Background: COVID-19 is a respiratory viral infection with unique features including a more chronic course and systemic disease manifestations including multiple organ involvement; and there are differences in disease severity between ethnic groups. The immunological basis for disease has not been fully characterised. Analysis of whole-blood RNA expression may provide valuable information on disease pathogenesis.