Genomic Investigation of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Outbreak in the Republic of Korea
Abstract The South Korean government effectively contained the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak primarily associated with the Shincheonji religious group. We conducted SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing of 66 cases to investigate connections among the initial South Korean cases and the Shincheonji outbreak. We assessed the accuracy of genomic investigation by comparing the whole genome sequences with comprehensive contact tracing records. Five transmission clusters were estimated among the 15 initial cases. The six close-contact cases and two potential exposure pairs identified by contact tracing showed two or fewer nucleotide base differences. Additionally, we identified two transmission clusters from the Shincheonji outbreak that were phylogenetically distinct from the initial clusters, sharing common G11083T, G26144T, and C14805T markers. The strain closest to the two Shincheonji clusters was identified from a pair of identical sequences isolated from a couple who traveled from Wuhan to Milano. Our findings provide insights into the origins of community spread of COVID-19.