Prevalence characteristics and control effect of COVID-19 epidemic in Shenzhen and Guangzhou city: a registry data analysis

  Objective   To compare the prevalence characteristics and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Shenzhen and Guangzhou city.

  Methods  The data on reported COVID-19 cases from January through April 2020 in Shenzhen and Guangzhou city were collected. The demographic and spatial-temporal distribution of the cases were analyzed; the basic regeneration number (R₀) for COVID-19 in the two cities was estimated; strategies and measures on the epidemic control in the two cities were described and compared.

  Results   During the 4-month period, totally 486 and 715 COVID-19 cases were reported in Shenzhen and Guangzhou city; one incidence peak in Shenzhen city and three incidence peaks in Guangzhou city were observed. In March and April, more COVID-19 cases were reported in Guangzhou city than in Shenzhen city. More cases occurred among populations in economically developed and densely populated areas. For the COVID-19 epidemic in Shenzhen and Guangzhou city, the estimated R₀ were 3.68 and 3.82, respectively.

  Conclusion  During January – April 2020, COVID-19 incidence exhibited different epidemiologic characteristics in Shenzhen and Guangzhou city but the epidemic in both the city was effectively controlled in the two cities after the implementation of strict prevention measures.