We developed an assay that detects minus-strand RNA as a surrogate for actively replicating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We detected minus-strand RNA in 41 persons with coronavirus disease up to 30 days after symptom onset. This assay might inform clinical decision-making about patient infectiousness.
Keywords: 2019 novel coronavirus disease; COVID-19; PCR; RNA; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; coronavirus disease; diagnosis; infection control; minus strand; respiratory infections; screening; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; testing; viruses; zoonoses.