Potential recurrence of COVID-19 in a healthcare professional: SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing confirms contagiousness after re-positivity

Re-positivity of SARS-CoV-2 tests is widely reported, raising discussion about guidance for patient discharge and ending isolation. The unsuccessful recovery of replication-competent virus and/or absence of secondary cases has suggested that re-positive patients are not contagious. This study reports SARS-CoV-2 re-positivity in a healthcare professional 16 days after three negative tests, with viral genome sequencing supporting contagiousness leading to secondary cases.

Highlights: - SARS-CoV-2 re-positivity tests are widely reported; Re-positive patients are assumed not to be contagious; Genome sequencing supported contagiousness from a re-positive patient to contacts.