Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Monitoring coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related infections and deaths in Brazil is controversial, with increasing pressure to ease social distance measures. However, no evidence of a sustained, widespread fall in cases exists.
METHODS
We used segmented (joinpoint) regression analysis to describe the behavior of COVID-19 infections in Brazilian capital cities.
RESULTS
All capitals showed an exponential or a near-exponential increase in cases through May. A decline in reported cases was subsequently noted in 20 cities but was only significant for 8 (29.6%) and was followed in two by a renewed increase.
CONCLUSIONS
Caution is warranted when considering the relaxation of restrictions.
Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Social Distance; Time series; Brazil