Re-estimation of basic reproduction number of COVID-19 based on the epidemic curve by symptom onset date.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have reported the basic reproduction number (R0) of coronavirus disease from publicly reported data that lack information such as onset of symptoms, presence of importations or known super-spreading events. Using data from the Republic of Korea, we illustrated how estimates of R0 can be biased and provided improved estimates with more detailed data. We used COVID-19 contact trace system in Korea, which can provide symptom onset date and also serial intervals between contacted people. The total R0 was estimated as 2.10 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84-2.42). Also, early transmission of COVID-19 differed by regional or social behaviours of the population. Regions affected by a specific church cluster, which showed a rapid and silent transmission under non-official religiou

SUBMITTER: Hong K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7925979 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature