Social isolation relaxation and the effective reproduction number (Rt) of COVID-19 in twelve Brazilian cities

Abstract

We analyzed the social isolation relaxation strategies adopted by the twelve biggest Brazilian cities in 2020, in relation to the number of cases, number of deaths and the effective reproduction number (Rt), which are internationally considered the fundamental epidemiological criteria for allowing wider population mobility in public spaces. The Brazilian central government has not set unique guidelines neither for closure nor for opening, and states and cities have taken the lead in strategy definition. Until July 31 2020, in Belém do Pará, Fortaleza, Manaus, Recife and Rio de Janeiro, where the epidemic peak had already been surpassed, and in Salvador and São Paulo, in which the peak seemed to be already reached, the Rt curve followed a decreasing path after the openings. Porto Alegre, a city in which the epidemic curve was flattened, had an increase in Rt after the start of relaxation. In Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Curitiba and Goiânia, where the curve was also flattened, the Rt remained stable after the opening. The decision on how to operationalize the relaxation of social isolation and the speed with which it happened was heterogeneous among the cities studied. Also, broad population testing strategies were not done in any of the cities.

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Epidemiology of Pediatric Traumatic Injury in Brazil

“…Demographic features such as gender and age were considered variables in this study. For all patients, the severity of TBIs was classi ed on the Glasgow Coma Scale as mild (score of [13][14][15], moderate (score of [9][10][11][12] or severe (score of < 9). [25,26] The mechanism of trauma was classi ed as types of falls, vehicle accidents, objects by which patients were struck, gunshots, and sports-related injuries.…”

“…[13] These measures were supported by city administrations, which were responsible for deciding the level of population mobility, and were reinforced by the Supreme Federal Court. [14] Minas Gerais has the second highest population (21,411,923) [15] and its capital, Belo Horizonte (population of 2,530,701), was considered a model of social isolation. The lockdown measures implemented on March 18 included closing of schools and malls and restricting sales activities, which helped in controling the spread of the disease.…”

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Epidemiology of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury in Brazil

“…In Brazil, the first case of COVID-19 was reported on February 26, 2020, in São Paulo, and stay-at-home measures were implemented in the 27 states of Brazil [2]. These measures were supported by the city administration which was responsible for deciding the level of population mobility and were reinforced by the Supreme Federal Court [3]. Minas Gerais has the second highest population (21,411,923) and its capital, Belo Horizonte (population of 2,530,701), was considered a model of social isolation.…”