Epidemiological characteristics and transmission dynamics of the outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Shanghai, China: A descriptive study
Zhiyuan Chen, Xiaowei Deng, Li‐Qun Fang, Kaiyuan Sun, Yanpeng Wu, Tian-Le Che, Junyi Zou, Jun Cai, Hengcong Liu, Yan Wang, Tao Wang, Yuyang Tian, Nan Zheng, Xuemei Yan, Ruijia Sun, Xiangyanyu Xu, Xiaoyu Zhou, Shijia Ge, Yuxia Liang, Lan Yi, Juan Yang, Juanjuan Zhang, Marco Ajelli, Hongjie Yu
Abstract
Background: In early March 2022, a major outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant spread rapidly throughout Shanghai, China. Here we aimed to provide a description of the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal transmission dynamics of the Omicron outbreak under the population-based screening and lockdown policies implemented in Shanghai. Methods: ). Findings: below the epidemic threshold in the entire city on April 14 and ultimately leading to containment of the outbreak. Interpretation: Our results highlight the risk of widespread outbreaks in mainland China, particularly under the heightened pressure of imported infections. The targeted interventions adopted in March 2022 were not capable of halting transmission, and the implementation of a strict, prolonged city-wide lockdown was needed to successfully contain the outbreak, highlighting the challenges for containing Omicron outbreaks. Funding: Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82130093); Shanghai Rising-Star Program (22QA1402300).