Sequencing Efforts and Epidemiological Trends: Analyzing SARS-CoV-2 Dynamics Across European Nations

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global health, leading to millions of deaths and overwhelming healthcare systems worldwide. This study investigates the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 sequencing rates and critical epidemiological parameters, such as cases, deaths, and ICU admissions, across 25 European countries from January 2020 to November 2023. By analyzing these relationships, we aim to determine whether sequencing efforts were reactive - in response to epidemiological pressures - or proactive, guided by public health strategies. The analysis used publicly available data from GISAID, OxCGRT, and ECDC, and included weekly aggregation, correlation analysis, and the application of TimeGPT for predictive modeling. Results show that sequencing rates were significantly correlated with ICU admissions, hospitalizations, case numbers, and deaths, though with variability between countries and over different pandemic phases. TimeGPT analysis revealed that sequencing rates were o...