Attempting to understand the spread of SARS-CoV-2: Associations between the number of cases in regions and selected economic and geographic parameters

TL;DR

This study analyzes how COVID-19 spread correlates with economic and geographic factors across countries, highlighting that temperate, high-latitude nations with open economies are most affected, aiming to guide further research and preparedness.

Contribution

It provides an initial analysis of the associations between COVID-19 spread and geographic, climate, and economic parameters, encouraging more detailed future studies.

Findings

High-latitude countries with temperate climates are more vulnerable.

Countries with open economies show higher case numbers.

The analysis suggests underlying environmental and economic influences on virus spread.

Abstract

We present in this work some results from analysing the spread of Covid-19 in different countries and regions around the world and the potential relations with climate, geographical location, and GDP. While the situation remains dynamic, we believe this analysis has the potential to uncover certain underlying trends. We primarily intend the results to drive further, more detailed analysis of the relevant data by other researchers that would help us gather a better understanding of the situation, aiding our preparedness. Our observations show that countries in high latitudes, with temperate and/or continental climate, and with reasonably "open" economies are the most vulnerable to this outbreak.