Spatial Analysis of COVID-19 cases and intensive care beds in the State of Ceará, Brazil

Abstract

The geographical distribution of COVID-19 through Geographic Information Systems resources is little explored. The objective was to analyze the distribution of COVID-19 cases and the exclusive intensive care beds in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Ecological study, with geographic distribution of the cases detection coefficient in 184 municipalities. Maps of gross and estimated values (global and local Bayesian method) were developed, the Moran index was calculated and BoxMap and MoranMap were used. Intensive care beds were distributed through geolocalized points. 3,000 cases and 459 beds were studied. The highest rates were found in the capital Fortaleza, metropolitan region (MR) and the south of this region. There is positive spatial autocorrelation in the local Bayesian rate (I = 0.66). The distribution of beds superimposed on the BoxMap shows clusters with a High-High number of beds pattern (capital, MR, northwest part); however, there is the same pattern (far east) or transition areas with insufficient bed. MoranMap shows clusters statistically significant in the state. The interiorization of COVID-19 in Ceará requires contingency measures related to the distribution of specific intensive care beds for COVID-19 cases in order to meet the demand.