Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in suspected samples: Blood and throat swab (TS) specimens were collected from the suspected cases that complied with the case definition of SARS-CoV-2 infection as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare14. The TS was collected in viral transport medium. These samples were referred to the ICMR-NIV, Pune, India (which is the national reference laboratory for India, also referred as the government's apex laboratory). As of February 29, 2020, 881 samples of suspected cases referred from different States, with a travel history to Wuhan, China, and other SARS-CoV-2-affected countries, were screened.