Pandemic viral threats recur periodically as infectious agents recombine and disseminate in populations. In these instances, rapid identification of viral genome sequences is required in order to develop a targeted diagnostic test. This group has developed an approach called Metagenomic sequencing with spiked primer enrichment (MSSPE) which allows for highly sensitive detection of viral genomes in complex matrices such as respiratory specimens. In this project they will validate MSSPE in clinical samples infected with human coronaviruses including 2019 novel coronavirus in collaboration with our public health partners. Once optimized, they will use viral genome sequences to develop isothermal nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) assays that requires at most a lithium-ion battery for point of care testing (POCT). POCT results can be detected by the naked eye and therefore deployed to where patients are being self-quarantined, sparing health care facilities from the risk of further transmission. By coupling MSSPE and POCT methodology they hope to develop a paradigm for rapid deployment of novel viral diagnostic POCT for any viral pandemic threat leading to public health containment.