A multilayer network model of Covid-19: implications in public health policy in Costa Rica

TL;DR

This paper presents a multilayer network model of Covid-19 in Costa Rica, integrating individual contact types to forecast pandemic routes and inform public health strategies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel multilayer network model tailored to Costa Rica's context, aiding in pandemic forecasting and policy development.

Findings

Model successfully forecasted pandemic routes under various scenarios.

Provided tailored public health recommendations based on network analysis.

Enhanced understanding of contact structures influencing Covid-19 spread.

Abstract

Successful partnerships between researchers, experts and public health authorities has been critical to navigate the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide. In Costa Rica, we constructed a multilayer network model that incorporates a diverse contact structure for each individual (node). The different layers which constitute the individual's contact structure include: family, friends, and sporadic interactions. Different scenarios were constructed to forecast and have a better understanding of the possible routes of the pandemic in the country, given the information that was available at the time and the different measures implemented by the health authorities of the country. Strong collaboration within our diverse team allowed using the model to tailor advice on contingency measures to health authorities. The model helped develop informed strategies to prepare the public health system in Costa Rica. The development, evolution and applications of a multilayer network model of Covid-19 in the adoption of sanitary measures in Costa Rica has been an example of the potential of such partnerships.