**6. Conclusion**

Since its discovery in 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been circulating in the human population evolving in genomic variants with distinct evolutionary advantages, such as increased transmissibility, immune evasion, and increased virulence, causing outbreaks and new waves of infections worldwide. By monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 scientists provided valuable information about newly emerging variants over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the implementation of comprehensive real-time genomic surveillance programs is vital for monitoring, detecting, and characterizing new variants, helping sanitary authorities to better manage the crisis.

*Perspective Chapter: Real-Time Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 on Center Stage DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.107842*
