Geographical Distribution of COVID-19 Infection Across Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Saudi Arabia, a large country in terms of population size and geographical area, administrative areas, and governorates, has metropolises, cities (large, medium-sized, and small), towns, and rural neighborhoods. COVID-19 epidemic of the millennium spread all over the country with differentials regarding infection (rates, percentages, and affected areas), besides day-to-day increases. This analysis of data compiled from COVID-19 daily reports published by the Saudi Ministry of Health considers administrative areas and localities (neighborhoods) to demonstrate the distribution of spread, increase of infection, and proportion of population infected over a period between 21 March 2020 and 4 May 2023. Many of the infected cases were reported in three major administrative areas, i.e., Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Region; other regions had a smaller number of infected cases. On the other hand, some locations, especially medium-sized upcoming towns, and neighborhoods, had a greater number of persons seriously affected at a rapid pace with seasonal differentials. In addition, a varying number of infections and a wider geographical spread were observed. Such details of COVID-19 infection would be useful not only to develop combating strategies but also to create epidemic and emergency preparedness.