A National System to Track Virus Variants Is in the Works

The United States will implement a $1.7 billion system to track variants of SARS-CoV-2 in order to prevent a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy includes additional funding for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments to support gene mapping of the novel coronavirus, development of six partnerships with universities to further research and surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, and creation of a data system that enables the easy sharing of data on virus-related risks. The new system will be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Click here to read more.