The first 80 days of the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Belo Horizonte: from containment to reopening

Abstract The paper examines the implications of Covid-19 pandemic for the city of Belo Horizonte (BH), during the first 80 days of the disease. We use a descriptive-analytical approach to estimate the growth of Covid-19 cases over time, the excess of deaths, the virus’ rate of transmissibility, and the consequent burden on the municipal the health system, measured by the rate of occupancy of public hospital beds. Also, we identify the main containment policies adopted by local authorities, and the implications of reopening measures and the following reduction of social distancing. Our findings reveal that a well-managed Unified Health System (SUS) is paramount to effectively tackle the pandemic and its consequences for the population. The reopening process has imposed new challenges that will require close monitoring by the authorities and by the society.