COVID-19: epidemiological situation of Argentina and its neighbor countries after three months of pandemic

Abstract

Background: On December 2019, China reports the appearance of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), declared as a pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. Arguably, some nations with lower capacity to cope with the pandemic, especially in low and middle-income countries, might have poorer control of the COVID-19. Aim: In this work, in order to establish a better comprehension of the association between Argentina's and its neighbor countries capacity and COVID-19 burden during the first three months, different indicators were evaluated. Method: We analyzed the association between GHSI, INFORM index and COVID-19 burden (number of confirmed cases and deaths) Also the number of tests, lethality and the stringency of Governmental policies were evaluated. Results: Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia started earlier different prevention measures. The number of tests differ, being Chile the one that makes more. Uruguay and Paraguay register fewer positive cases and deaths from COVID-19. The GHS index is led by Brazil, followed by Argentina, Chile. However, the INFORM index is led by Uruguay followed by Argentina and Chile and Paraguay on a par. Conclusion: The countries that took preventive measures earlier and carried out a more tests are the ones that are obtaining the best results against COVID-19.