Genomics reveals distinct patterns of emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike variants in Columbus, Ohio Genomic sequencing of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has facilitated tracking shifts in viral isolates globally. The emergence of the D614G mutation gave rise to the more transmissible G‐strain of SARS-COV-2. Studies show that this variant has increased cell binding and viral transmission within in vitro models. More distinct SARS‐CoV‐2 strains with additional changes have emerged over the last few months, rapidly spreading in the United Kingdom. These variants contain many distinct mutations in the spike (S) gene, particularly N501Y. The rapid transmissibility and the sudden changes to the S gene have raised concerns about changes in the pattern of disease and the potential variability in how COVID-19 patients respond to vaccines or antibody therapies.