Abstract
We describe the early spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the first human-to-human transmission networks, in Romania. We profiled the first 147 cases referring to sex, age, place of residence, probable country of infection, return day to Romania, COVID-19 confirmation date and the probable modes of COVID-19 transmissions. Also, we analysed human-to-human transmission networks and explored their structural features and time dynamics. In Romania, local cycles of transmission were preceded by imported cases, predominantly from Italy. We observed an average of 4.8 days (s.d. = 4.0) between the arrival to a Romanian county and COVID-19 confirmation. Furthermore, among the first 147 COVID-19 patients, 88 were imported cases (64 carriers from Italy), 54 were domestic cases, while for five cases the source of infection was unknown. The early human-to-human transmission networks illustrated a limited geographical dispersion, the presence of super-spreaders and the risk of COVID-19 nosocomial infections. COVID-19 occurred in Romania through case importation from Italy. The largest share of the Romanian diaspora is concentrated especially in the northern parts of Italy, heavily affected by COVID-19. Human mobility (including migration) accounts for the COVID-19 transmission and it should be given consideration while tailoring prevention measures.
Highlights
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), originated from Wuhan, China
We describe the early spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID19) and the first human-to-human transmission networks, in Romania
We profile the first officially confirmed cases by administrative counties, we look at the share of imported cases in the list of the first 147 COVID-19 cases confirmed for Romania and we examine the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 through observed individual-level networks
Summary
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), originated from Wuhan, China. As of 5 May 2020, COVID-19 has spread to 215 countries, areas and territories, with confirmed cases at 3 517 345 and a reported death toll of 243 401 [1]. Between 26 February and 5 May, Romania has confirmed 13 512 cases and 803 deaths [1]. Several non-governmental bodies as well as the University of Bucharest, through open letters, protested against this measure. In their protest, it was claimed that, in the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in Romania, the availability of public information is critical for the research efforts by independent teams to provide robust evidence to guide effective measures
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