COVID-19 IN TERESINA: SOCIO-SPATIAL ASPECTS x MEASURES TO FACE THE WEAKNESSES

Abstract

This article addresses the socio-spatial aspects of the dissemination of Covid-19 in the urban territory of Teresina-PI, as well as measures to face the weaknesses, focusing on low-income peripheral territories. Based on some urbanization variables existing in the territory, recorded in official census research data by IBGE and Teresina City Hall, a brief presentation of the local reality is made, pointing out the current uneven development condition in Teresina. Associated with this data, an analysis is made of the disease progression in the urban territory and of the decrees promulgated by the public authorities adopted as measures to face the pandemic. To do this, in addition to the official data from the city hall and the state government, there was information provided weekly by the Municipal Health Foundation regarding cases and deaths caused by the disease. In addition to the public actions and policies, alternative actions were also analyzed considering if they reached the low-income peripheral population.To do this, in addition to the information on official websites of civil society association, some telephone interviews were conducted. The analysis of the virus propagation confirms an uneven scenario of the disease dissemination, evidencing its rapid expansion to the peripheral territory, where the population has been most vulnerable to contamination and death. An insufficiency of actions is identified and therefore a need for political incidence to defend the basic rights of residents of low-income peripheral territories.