Understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission in higher education settings is important to limit spread between students, and into at-risk populations. In this study, we sequenced 482 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from the University of Cambridge from 5 October to 6 December 2020. We perform a detailed phylogenetic comparison with 972 isolates from the surrounding community, complemented with epidemiological and contact tracing data, to determine transmission dynamics. We observe limited viral introductions into the university; the majority of student cases were linked to a single genetic cluster, likely following social gatherings at a venue outside the university. We identify considerable onward transmission associated with student accommodation and courses; this was effectively contained using local infection control measures and following a national lockdown. Transmission clusters were largely segregated within the university or the community. Our study highlights key determinants of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and effective interventions in a higher education setting that will inform public health policy during pandemics. In this study, Aggarwal and colleagues perform prospective sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolates derived from asymptomatic student screening and symptomatic testing of students and staff at the University of Cambridge. They identify important factors that contributed to within university transmission and onward spread into the wider community.
【저자키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, Epidemiology, viral epidemiology, Viral genetics, Viral transmission, 【초록키워드】 public health, infection control, lockdown, Sequencing, Genetic, Health policy, Contact tracing, Local, Transmission, Spread, SARS-CoV-2 transmission, Viral, Asymptomatic, symptomatic, Transmission dynamics, Pandemics, Community, Cluster, understanding, epidemiological, higher education, university, Phylogenetic, determinant, Factor, local infection, effective intervention, measure, effective interventions, onward transmission, SARS-CoV-2 isolates, National, courses, transmission clusters, Cambridge, isolate, populations, limit, highlight, observé, identify, sequenced, majority, determine, contributed, SARS-CoV-2 isolate, 【제목키워드】 Transmission, identify,