COVID-19 VARIANTS OF CONCERNS TRACKING: HOW WE EASED OUT THE WHOLE PROCESS THROUGH OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE IN MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA

Objective: To comprehend the evolution and spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) virus and also to prevent the future spread of the same, sequencing and analyzing the genomic data of SARS CoV-2 are essential. The objective of the present study is to describe the scope of improvement identified by the state of Madhya Pradesh in the data flow chain and the methodology designed to address the identified shortcomings. Methods: The number of sources of sample data collection was altered as well as a series of Google Sheets were formulated as an open-source tool, to implement an efficient sample data-sharing platform. The application of the proposed tool (Google Sheets as a source of data collection and information sharing) was within the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Result: After utilizing this mechanism, the state was able to trace more than 80% VOCs and 3341 primary contacts and was also able to communicate this result to all stakeholders without much delay. Conclusion: Based on successful implementation and results, the authors suggest widening the domain of the proposed tool to other states.