The COVID-19 epidemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has resulted in 3352 deaths in China as of April 12, 2020. This study aimed to investigate the associations between particulate matter (PM) concentrations and the case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 in 49 Chinese cities, including the epicenter of Wuhan. We used the Global Moran’s I to analyze spatial distribution and autocorrelation of CFRs, and then we used multivariate linear regression to analyze the associations between PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations and COVID-19 CFR. We found positive associations between PM pollution and COVID-19 CFR in cities both inside and outside Hubei Province. For every 10 μg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations, the COVID-19 CFR increased by 0.24% (0.01%–0.48%) and 0.26% (0.00%–0.51%), respectively. PM pollution distribution and its association with COVID-19 CFR suggests that exposure to such may affect COVID-19 prognosis. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Spatial analysis showed a high-high death rate clustering located in Hubei Province. • Particulate matter (PM) pollution was positively associated with COVID-19 CFR. • The positive associations happened in cities both inside and outside Hubei Province. • Results suggested that exposure to PM may affect COVID-19 prognosis.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, cross-sectional study, CFR, Particulate matter pollution, 【초록키워드】 China, Wuhan, Clustering, death, Linear regression, Particulate matter, distribution, association, COVID-19 prognosis, Concentration, COVID-19 epidemic, Analysis, Image, death rate, Abstract, Chinese, Fatality rate, positive, CFRs, autocorrelation, Affect, concentrations, Result, caused, suggested, increase in, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with COVID-19, 【제목키워드】 Chinese, Fatality rate,