We developed a genomic surveillance program for real-time monitoring of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) in Uruguay. We report on a PCR method for SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, the surveillance workflow, and multiple independent introductions and community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 VOC in Uruguay.
Keywords: COVID-19; PCR; SARS; SARS-CoV-2; Uruguay; coronavirus; coronavirus disease; epidemiology; genomic surveillance; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; variants of concern respiratory infections; viruses; zoonoses.