The spread of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and the regional connectivity in West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia

Abstract

At the end of 2019, a disease was identified as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 or COVID-19. The expected modes of transmission are direct or indirect contact, droplets, and aerosol. The spread of an infection can be also caused by interaction between regions and the proximity to a central transmission area. This article elucidates the connectivity between regions in West Kalimantan in relation to the spread of COVID-19 using network analysis, which shall be superimposed with the data pertaining to the spread of COVID-19. From the findings, Kubu Raya and Pontianak have a high number of COVID-19 cases, especially confirmed ones. Considering their centrality and block measurements, Kubu Raya is featured as region with the highest score (degree: 60.3; closeness: 71.4; betweenness: 75.6; and eigenvector: 82.4), close to Pontianak city as the capital city. When regarded from the context of regional connectivity, both areas serve as the main ‘gateways’ and ‘hubs’. Additionally, the role of each region in urban hierarchy, the number of residents and their proximity to one another also tend to affect the spread of COVID-19.