1. Fernando De Noronha: How an Island Controlled the Community Transmission of COVID-19 in Brazil
- Author
-
Almeida RLFd, Kerr Lrfs, Abreu ACFCd, Barreto ICdHC, Pinto Fka, Carvalho APRd, Andrade LOMd, Brizolara Rv, Silva SLd, Júnior Fmlp, Magalhães Fr, Carl Kendall, Torres Lc, Goes PSAd, Leite Rv, Sales Mjt, and Theophilo Rl
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,education.field_of_study ,Government ,Public health ,Population ,Declaration ,Commission ,Informed consent ,Political science ,medicine ,Socioeconomics ,education ,Socioeconomic status ,Health department - Abstract
Background: Fernando Noronha (FNA) is a small Brazilian archipelago in the Atlantic, part of the state of Pernambuco that COVID-19 has decimated. Anticipating the worst from the pandemic, Island and state authorities implemented a series of public health actions to contain the epidemic. This paper, reporting the results of the first wave of a cohort study, documents the measures and their effects through a cohort study. Methods: Measures were documented at the time of implementation. A random sample of 904 residents were selected from the health register, interviewed and tested for COVID-19 (RT-PCR and serology). The survey explored socioeconomic variables and adherence to prevention behaviors. Findings: Flights were reduced from 38 to once a week, FNA was closed to tourism, schools were closed, and testing and tracing contacts was mandated along with social distancing and use of masks. A household lockdown was briefly imposed for residents. A prevalence of 5.1% was found, and a total of 158 cases of COVID-19 was estimated, although only 28 had been reported in routine surveillance. Half of the population reported food insecurity and applied for government COVID-19 benefits. Adherence to control measures was high, except for intrahousehold mask use with family and friends. Interpretation: Despite high levels of COVID-19 in Pernambuco, continued exposure through the provision of essential services from the mainland, and lack of direction from national authorities, FNA was able to implement a series of prevention measures unique in Brazil that contained the epidemic on the island. Funding Statement: Pernambuco State Health Department, Fernando de Noronha District Authority, and Itau's “Todos pela Saude” initiative. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The project was described, voluntary participation emphasized, and the Informed Consent Form presented. In the case of minors (
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF