Geodemographic insights on the COVID-19 pandemic in the State of Wisconsin and the role of risky facilities

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to impact the United States. While age and comorbid health conditions remain primary concerns in the community-based transmission of the virus, empirical evidence continues to suggest that substantial variability exists in the geographic and geodemographic distribution of COVID-19 infection rates. The purpose of this paper is to provide an alternative, spatiotemporal perspective on the pandemic using the state of Wisconsin as a case study. Specifically, in this paper, we explore the geographic nuances of COVID-19 and its spread in Wisconsin using a suite of spatial statistical approaches. We link detected hot spots of COVID-19 to local geodemographic profiles and the presence of high-risk facilities, including federal and state correctional facilities. The results suggest that the virus disproportionately impacts several communities and geodemographic groups and that proximity to risky facilities correlates to increased community infection rates.

Space-time analysis of COVID-19 cases and SARS-CoV-2 wastewater loading: A geodemographic perspective

“…Finally, recent research suggests that commercial activity, specifically the movement of people between work and home, is an important explanatory factor in the spread of COVID-19 ( Bontempi et al, 2021 ; Grubesic et al, 2021 ). Indeed, studies have shown a link between COVID-19 transmission in some communities where individuals are likely to work at “risky” facilities with the potential for high infection rates ( Towers et al, 2022 ).…”