National Institute of Genetics has offered cooperation to Shizuoka prefecture and has signed a contract concerning investigation cooperation since April 2020. In response to the spread of infection of the new coronavirus variant in these days, a memorandum of cooperation on molecular epidemiological investigation (SARS-CoV-2 RNA whole genome analysis) of novel coronavirus has been signed between our institute and Heita Kawakatsu, Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, at the government office.

The principles set in the memorandum are: “to support for proactive epidemiological investigation (SARS-CoV-2 RNA whole genome analysis) promoted by Shizuoka prefecture”, “to contribute to treatment of patients infected with novel coronavirus and prevention of the spread of the virus”, “to disclose molecular epidemiological information obtained from specimen samples in order to contribute to the conquest of COVID-19” and “to give due consideration to the protection of personal information when molecular epidemiological information are disclosed”. Based on this memorandum, our institute implements support for SARS-CoV-2 RNA whole genome analysis in earnest.

April 30th, 2021
National Institute of Genetics

Left, Heita Kawakatsu (Governor, Shizuoka Prefecture): Right, Fumio Hanaoka (Director-General, National Institute of Genetics)