COVID-19 Seasonality: The effect of environmental variation on the spatio-temporal dynamics at national, regional and global scales

COVID-19 Seasonality was a Norwegian-based project with close collaboration with leading research and preparedness organizations in China, Iran, the UK, the USA and the African Union to develop basic information and inform the response to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic. The objectives were organized into three main measures: (I) Map - to find out how weather and seasonal factors affect the growth pattern of the covid-19 epidemic; (II) Predict - to use data on weather and seasonal factors such as covid-19 to assess how the epidemic will change in the future in Norway and other countries; and (III) Prepare - to evaluate the risk of future pandemics, similar to covid-19, in Norway and other countries from new and emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Articles relevant to all three objectives have been published as a result of the scientific work and collaboration in the COVID-19 Seasonality. COVID-19 Seasonality has produced quantitative models to predict the seasonal conditions in Norway and other countries that promote and prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2, which has improved the predictions of epidemic trends. COVID-19 Seasonality then applied fundamental research approaches and the insights gained to improve understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of COVID-19, and the impact of existing or potential interventions during the pandemic. Overall, this work contributed to improving preparedness against future diseases both in Norway and globally. The project created a strong dialogue with both national and international partners and has contributed to developing new research areas that are still being explored.