SARS-CoV-2 Spread, Detection, and Dynamics in a Megacity in Latin America

In many developing countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has spread much faster and wider than number of detected cases implies. By combining data from 59,770 RT-PCR tests on mostly asymptomatic individuals with administrative all cases, we capture dynamics in Bogota June 2020 to early March 2021. Our provide unusually broad detailed information adults Bogota, allowing describe various features that appear be specific a country context. We find that, by end 2021, slightly more half population been infected, despite only small fraction this being detected. July 2020, after four months generalized quarantine mitigated without curving it, initial buildup immunity contributed first wave. also show share infected February 2021 varies widely occupation, socio-economic stratum, location. This, turn, affected spread: while wave infections was driven lowest economic strata highly-exposed occupations, second peak evenly. A better understanding across different groups provides valuable guidance for efficient targeting health policy measures restrictions.