A partisan pandemic: state government public health policies to combat COVID-19 in Brazil. Issue 6 (3rd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Touchton, Michael; Knaul, Felicia Marie; Arreola-Ornelas, Héctor; Porteny, Thalia; Sánchez, Mariano; Méndez, Oscar; Faganello, Marco; Edelson, Vaugh; Gygi, Benjamin; Hummel, Calla; Otero, Silvia; Insua, Jorge; Undurraga, Eduardo; Rosado, Julio Antonio
• Other Names: author non-byline.; Gómez Salvador Acevedo author non-byline.; Balise Raymond author non-byline.; Cravioto Miguel Betancourt author non-byline.; Bouzoubaa Layla author non-byline.; Burke Karen Jane author non-byline.; Cairo Alberto author non-byline.; Díaz Martínez Daniel Alberto author non-byline.; Dorantes Aguilar Javier author non-byline.; González Gómez L Lizette author non-byline.; Grinfeder Kim author non-byline.; Llamas Héctor Hernández author non-byline.; Hughes Sallie author non-byline.; López L Luján author non-byline.; Martínez Lenny author non-byline.; Matamoros Gómez Víctor Arturo author non-byline.; Méndez Lizárraga Cesar Arturo author non-byline.; Castillo Gerardo Pérez author non-byline.
• Is Part Of: BMJ global health. Volume 6:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06-03
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- health policy -- qualitative study -- descriptive study; World health -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005223
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-7908

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: To present an analysis of the Brazilian health system and subnational (state) variation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, based on 10 non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Materials and methods: We collected daily information on implementation of 10 NPI designed to inform the public of health risks and promote distancing and mask use at the national level for eight countries across the Americas. We then analyse the adoption of the 10 policies across Brazil's 27 states over time, individually and using a composite index. We draw on this index to assess the timeliness and rigour of NPI implementation across the country, from the date of the first case, 26 February 2020. We also compile Google data on population mobility by state to describe changes in mobility throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Brazil's national NPI response was the least stringent among countries analysed. In the absence of a unified federal response to the pandemic, Brazilian state policy implementation was neither homogenous nor synchronised. The median NPI was no stay-at-home order, a recommendation to wear masks in public space but not a requirement, a full school closure and partial restrictions on businesses, public transportation, intrastate travel, interstate travel and international travel. These restrictions were implemented 45 days after the first case in each state, on average. Rondônia implemented the earliest and most rigorous policies, with school closures, business closures, information campaigns and restrictions on movement 24 days after the first case; Mato Grosso do Sul had the fewest, least stringent restrictions on movement, business operations and no mask recommendation. Conclusions: The study identifies wide variation in national-level NPI responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our focus on Brazil identifies subsequent variability in how and when states implemented NPI to contain COVID-19. States' NPIs and their scores on the composite policy index both align with the governors' political affiliations: opposition governors implemented earlier, more stringent sanitary measures than those supporting the Bolsonaro administration. A strong, unified national response to a pandemic is essential for keeping the population safe and disease-free, both at the outset of an outbreak and as communities begin to reopen. This national response should be aligned with state and municipal implementation of NPI, which we show is not the case in Brazil.