Spatial co-location patterns between early COVID-19 risk and urban facilities: a case study of Wuhan, China

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1293888
• Publication Date: 2024-01-04T05:01:06Z
• Authors: Guoqing Zhi; Bin Meng; Hui Lin; Xin Zhang; Min Xu; Siyu Chen; Juan Wang
• Keywords: Spatial epidemiology

Introduction COVID-19, being a new type of infectious disease, holds significant implications for scientific prevention and control to understand its spatiotemporal transmission process. This study examines the diverse spatial patterns COVID-19 within Wuhan by analyzing early case data alongside urban infrastructure information. Methods Through co-location analysis, we assess both local global risks linked epidemic. In addition, use Geodetector, identifying facilities displaying unique risk characteristics, revealing factors contributing heightened risk. Results Our findings unveil noticeable distribution in city, notably influenced road networks functional zones. Higher levels are observed central city compared outskirts. Specific such as parking, residence, ATM, bank, entertainment, hospital consistently exhibit connections with sites. Conversely, like subway station, dessert restaurant, movie theater display stronger association sites distance increases, hinting at their potential outbreak focal points. Discussion Despite our success containing recent outbreak, uncertainties persist regarding origin initial spread. Some experts caution that increased human activity, similar outbreaks might become more frequent. research provides comprehensive analytical framework centered on facilities, quantitatively understanding impact outbreaks. It enriches interconnectedness between facility transportation flow, affirming refining decay law governing disease risks. Furthermore, offers practical guidance post-epidemic planning, promoting development safer environments resilient epidemics. equips government bodies reliable quantitative analysis method accurately predicting assessing conclusion, this furnishes theoretical empirical support tailoring distinct strategies prevent