A DIFUSÃO ESPACIAL DA COVID-19 NO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO.

Objective: To characterize the spatial diffusion of Covid-19 in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Method: Here, we analyzed the spatial diffusion of the first confirmed cases of Covid-19 for each municipality in the state by interpolation through IDW. Results: We identified three main diffusion axes in the State of Rio de Janeiro, all originating from the metropolitan region. The first axis goes toward São Paulo by the main highways (via Dutra), promoting the diffusion through the Paraíba Valley. The second axis goes toward Espírito Santo through BR-101. The third axis goes toward the region of Juiz de Fora city in Minas Gerais state by BR-040. Conclusion: The characterization of Covid-19 diffusion in the state of Rio de Janeiro demonstrated its spreading by two patterns: by a hierarchical process (following the urban hierarchy) and by contagion once installed in a new diffusion urban center. The inland diffusion imposes the urgent need to take articulated and solidary actions considering that health policies for containment of Covid-19 are mainly based on non-pharmacological measures, and the medical-hospital capacity of the medium and small size municipalities along the diffusion process is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]