Sequencing and analysis of Estonian SARS-CoV-2 whole genomes - KoroGeno-EST-3

Effective vaccination is an essential key to stop COVID-19 epidemic. However, it is challenged by new emerging and resistant SARS-CoV-2 strains from which UK (B.1.1.7), LAV (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1) and Indian (B.1.617) variants are the most concerning. The aim of Koro-Geno-EST-3 is to sequence and conduct molecular-epidemiology analysis for more than 6500 SARS-CoV-2 full genomes from the 1st of May to 31st of December 2021 in Estonia. Number of weekly sequenced strains depends directly on epidemiological situation including number of newly diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 cases as well as the need to monitor clinically, demographically or mutationally significant strains. Based on sequenced samples weekly reports will be prepared for Estonian Health Board (TA) and ECDC. In collaboration with TA SARS-CoV-2 genomic data will be used to analyze infection clusters to trace newly infected subjects. In addition, study will identify the prevalence of variants associated with higher pathogenicity or infectiousness or corresponding mutations. Based on these data authorities will get a better overview about circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains as well as imported cases. In general, current study will give significant contribution to the governmental decision-making process, and help more efficiently suppress the spread of COVID-19 epidemic.