District-wise estimation of Basic reproduction number (R0) for COVID-19 in India in the initial phase

SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 was introduced into India by multiple sources generating local clusters and leading to the nationwide spread. A retrospective study has been conducted on epidemiological features spatial spread of in during February 2020–March 2021. For each district, cumulative number confirmed cases were fitted exponential growth model for initial phase outbreak (the first 7–15 days). From estimated rate, parameters like Basic reproduction (R0) epidemic doubling time (τ) determined. Using Q-GIS software, we have generated all distribution maps R0 τ. rapidly covering majority districts between March June 2020. As 1st 2021, a total 715 out 717 affected. The range is at par with global average. few districts, where outbreaks caused migrant workers coming home, intense transmission recorded > 7. We also found that not uniform across different India. methodology developed can be used researchers public health professionals analyze epidemics future.