Molecular testing and analysis of disease spreading during the emergence of COVID-19 in Macae, the Brazilian National Capital of Oil

The Brazilian strategy to overcome the spread of COVID-19 has been particularly criticized due to the lack of a national coordinating effort and an appropriate testing program. Here, a successful approach to control the spread of COVID-19 transmission is described by the engagement of public (university and governance) and private sectors (hospitals and oil companies) in Macae, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city known as the National Oil Capital. In 2020 between the 17th and 38th epidemiological week, over two percent of the 206,728 citizens were subjected to symptom analysis and RT-qPCR testing by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, with positive individuals being notified up to 48 h after swab collection. Geocodification and spatial cluster analysis were used to limit COVID-19 spreading in Macae. Within the first semester after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Brazil, Macae recorded 1.8% of fatalities associated with COVID-19 up to the 38th epidemiological week, which was at least five times lower than the state capital (10.6%). Overall, considering the successful experience of this joint effort of private and public engagement in Macae, our data suggest that the development of a similar strategy countrywise could have contributed to a better control of the COVID-19 spread in Brazil. Quarantine decree by the local administration, comprehensive molecular testing coupled to scientific analysis of COVID-19 spreading, prevented the catastrophic consequences of the pandemic as seen in other populous cities within the state of Rio de Janeiro and elsewhere in Brazil.

Automated summary

The Brazilian strategy to control the spread of COVID-19 has been criticized for the lack of national coordination and testing programs. In Macae, Brazil, a successful approach was achieved by engaging public and private sectors, leading to effective control of COVID-19 transmission and lower fatality rates compared to other cities in the state. Comprehensive testing, spatial analysis, and prompt notification were key factors in preventing catastrophic consequences of the pandemic in Macae.