Linkage disequilibrium suggests genomic stability in Omicron clades of SARS-CoV-2 from the ASEAN countries

After more than 2 years of pandemic caused by SARS-CoV2, COVID-19 is still a national concern in many countries worldwide. One of the key investigations is to understand the factors contributing to the evolutionary dynamics of SARS-CoV2 as a pathogen. Currently, almost all countries have lifted border control orders and have allowed inter-country travel with minimal restrictions. This provides better resolutions on genomic patterns and the evolution of circulating SARS-CoV-2 in each community with the influence of imported strains. In this report, we surveyed genomes of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. This project serves as a collaborative effort from the ASEAN Member States that had participated in the programme ‘Strengthening Laboratory Capacity on COVID-19 Bio Genomic for ASEAN Countries