Impacto do programa Minas Consciente na cidade de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, na pandemia da COVID-19, 2020

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a major challenge at a global level. Non-pharmacological strategies were implemented to contain the spread of the virus. However, it is implementation was not equitable between or within countries. Brazil was one of the most affected countries in 2020, the lack of effective targeting at the federal level culminated in a front line designed and implemented by states and municipalities. In Minas Gerais, a commercial reopening program was organized in the form of waves, Minas Consciente, in which a given region could advance or retreat according to pre-established criteria. Thus, the state government sought to manage the risks of the epidemic and promote the economy, because of the economic and social problems arising from non-pharmacological actions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of the Minas Consciente program in Juiz de Fora, a medium-sized city in the state of Minas Gerais, in the year 2020, analyzing mobility data, the evolution of suspected cases by the date of the first symptom, and occupation of intensive care beds and infirmary beds. RESULTS: in 2020, the city totaled 13.444 reported cases, with a peak concentration in the 51st epidemiological week. With the transition to more flexible waves, there was an increase of 362.40; 30.92, and 29.08 for suspected cases, occupation of infirmary beds, and intensive care respectively. The transitions to flexible waves resulted in a significant increase in the epidemiological indicators studied. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Minas Consciente had a fundamental role in guiding the municipalities, however, adaptations to the new findings are important for the future confrontation of new epidemics in the search for costeffective actions, since more flexible waves generated an important increase in outcomes, corroborating the proximity of system saturation. Non-pharmacological measures were essential in this pandemic scenario, but, in addition to applying them, correct and evidence-based implementation is necessary to ensure the cost-effectiveness of actions, avoiding saturation of the health system and, consequently, saving lives.