Convergence of the pandemic through selective urban containment
Blockades have been widely used to limit social interaction and bend the epidemic curve. However, their intensity and geographical boundaries vary from country to country. Madrid (Spain) implemented a boundary lockdown in September, with the goal of bending the COVID-19 curve. In this article, we used joinpoint regression to compare the evolution of COVID-19 cases in areas where this intervention was implemented and in areas where it was not. Our analysis shows that the decline in the epidemic curve began before the impact of the boundary lockdown was reflected.
MarioFontán-Vela, PedroGullón, JavierPadilla-Bernáldez, Selective boundary lockdown in Madrid: How to bend the COVID-19 curve? , European Journal of Public Health, 2021;, ckab061, https: //doi.org/10.1093 / eurpub / ckab061
Explanation
This study examines whether a selective urban blockade in Madrid can prevent the spread of the disease.
According to the results of the study, the maximum peak was reported on September 22, when 770.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants occurred.The study was conducted from July 7-21, July 21-August 18, August 18-September 15, and September 15, and the earlier study period showed a weekly increase in the 14-day COVID-19 rate.The rate of increase was 5.45%, 111.42%, 31.68% and the last study period showed a decrease of 11.10% per week. It is shown that this is not related to the lockdown and according to the selective urban lockdown area shows an increase of 12.03%, 116.79% and 9.94% with a decrease of 11.34% in the last survey period.
The researchers explained the difference between these results
・There is an error in the lag between the blockade period and the survey period.
・The focus of the blockade was on the mobility of people.
・There were no restrictions on movement for work or other purposes.
These were discussed as reasons for the absence of these differences.
Conclusion
Although the purpose of urban blockades is to contain a pandemic, this study is an indicator that the results may vary greatly depending on what we focus on.
In Japan, where the author lives, similar measures have been implemented, but the blockade is limited to a certain area, and the content of the blockade is declared as a request without any legal action. However, some businesses have been subject to the measures by operating their businesses, and some people feel that the measures have not been effective.
