Dataset Information
SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Potential and Policy Changes in South Carolina, February 2020 - January 2021.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Introduction
We aimed to examine how public health policies influenced the dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) time-varying reproductive number (R t ) in South Carolina from February 26, 2020, to January 1, 2021.Methods
COVID-19 case series (March 6, 2020, to January 10, 2021) were shifted by 9 d to approximate the infection date. We analyzed the effects of state and county policies on R t using EpiEstim. We performed linear regression to evaluate if per-capita cumulative case count varies across counties with different population size.Results
R t shifted from 2-3 in March to <1 during April and May. R t rose over the summer and stayed between 1.4 and 0.7. The introduction of statewide mask mandates was associated with a decline in R t (-15.3%; 95% CrI, -13.6%, -16.8%), and school re-opening, an increase by 12.3% (95% CrI, 10.1%, 14.4%). Less densely populated counties had higher attack rates (P < 0.0001).Conclusions
The R t dynamics over time indicated that public health interventions substantially slowed COVID-19 transmission in South Carolina, while their relaxation may have promoted further transmission. Policies encouraging people to stay home, such as closing nonessential businesses, were associated with R t reduction, while policies that encouraged more movement, such as re-opening schools, were associated with R t increase.
SUBMITTER: Davies MR
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9530385 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Potential and Policy Changes in South Carolina, February 2020 - January 2021.
Disaster medicine and public health preparedness 20220804
<h4>Introduction</h4>We aimed to examine how public health policies influenced the dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) time-varying reproductive number (<i>R</i> <sub><i>t</i></sub> ) in South Carolina from February 26, 2020, to January 1, 2021.<h4>Methods</h4>COVID-19 case series (March 6, 2020, to January 10, 2021) were shifted by 9 d to approximate the infection date. We analyzed the effects of state and county policies on <i>R</i> <sub><i>t</i></sub> using EpiEstim. We performed ...[more]