Research is essential to better understand the evolution and determinants of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, to identify people at risk and take appropriate measures to protect them, to prioritize health care system resources, to assist the government in taking social measures to control the spread of infection and the resumption of social activities, and to anticipate and better prepare for future pandemics.

Access to high quality samples and data from control persons and from individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 who have given their consent is absolutely essential. The urgency and magnitude of pandemics dictate immediate action and coordination of efforts at local, regional, national and international levels.

In the wake of the initiatives put forward to find a solution to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé and Génome Québec mandated a group of researchers to set up the BQC19.

This decentralized infrastructure will make it possible to federate the research efforts of all Quebec research institutions and facilitate national and international research collaborations.