The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (January 12) received notification from the National Health Commission (NHC) that it has shared with the World Health Organization (WHO) the genetic sequences of the novel coronavirus associated with the cluster of pneumonia cases detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province. The relevant institutions have also uploaded the genetic sequences onto the online gene bank (GISAID). GISAID is cross checking the information and will publish it upon completion.

     The CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB), as one of the users of this gene bank, will obtain the genetic sequence of the novel coronavirus. While the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch is conducting molecular testing for a number of coronaviruses, it will develop specific tests based on the information of the new sequence. 

     The CHP will continue to maintain close liaison with the NHC as well as the WHO and closely monitor the latest development of cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan.

Ends/Sunday, January 12, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:33

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