Joep de Ligt from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR) in New Zealand presented at London Calling 2023 a session entitled “The value of real-time, long-read sequencing for public health.” They talked about how they developed technologies during the COVID pandemic. The ESR uses genomics for public health. de Ligt described how New Zealand implemented and updated SARS-CoV2 sequencing. The Microreact platform was used to share results and updates. de Ligt shared results from tracking and surveillance providing evidence of in-flight transmission. Another story was about spread across a hallway within an isolation facility. In both cases, sequencing every isolate and early detection were critical. New Zealand also used genomics to evaluate reinfections caused by different variants. The ESR now has three GridION instruments for this type of work. The surveillance work has also been used for foodborne diseases and local reference genomes. Pangenome analysis and pangenomegraphs can be used for public health surveillance and decisions. The ESR and New Zealand’s commitment to water, food, and public health surveillance leverages long-read sequencing and innovative approaches. de Ligt also highlighted the efficient use of public science communication.
