Tasmanian researchers are hoping to build on research which mapped the evolution of COVID-19 in an effort to assess the effectiveness of control measures.
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The initial research, carried out in March and published on Wednesday, charted the evolution of the virus from the point in jumped into humans in December last year.
It found three strains of the virus - one of which appeared to be more contagious than the others.
In other news:
Different virus strains are established as the virus mutates within different people who become infected.
University of Tasmania disease ecologist and lead researcher Dr Nick Fountain-Jones said the research had come about due to scientists all over the world making data publicly available.
He said the next step was to analyse genetic data from second waves across the globe to see if containment methods in different countries had been successful.
By mapping the evolution of the virus researchers can determine the origins of a particular strain. For instance Dr Fountain-Jones said the most contagious strain of COVID-19 evolved out of the first wave in Europe.
By tracing the evolutionary path of the virus researchers can see whether a mutation developed in a particular place was contained to that area or if it spread. In doing so they are able to assess the effectiveness of containment methods.
Epidemiologist and UTAS senior researcher Dr Scott Carver, who co-authored the original research, said the genetics of the virus could be used to assess how effective control measures are, even in countries without significant tracing capabilities.
Control measures could include the mandate to wear masks, social distancing, lockdowns and curfews.
Dr Fountain-Jones said comparing the data from the study in March with data from second waves could help the world understand how the virus was spread.
"We did this study back in March and so I think it's going to be a really interesting exercise and really useful to do it again now," he said.
"Europe has gone through multiple waves at this stage, so has the states. Australia has it under control at this stage so it would be interesting to see what the patterns of evolution are."
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Jackson Worthington
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
