COVID-19 case rates, spatial mobility, and neighbourhood socioeconomic characteristics in Toronto: a spatial–temporal analysis

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Abstract
Objectives This study has two primary research objectives: (1) to investigate the spatial clustering pattern of mobility reductions and COVID-19 cases in Toronto and their relationships with marginalized populations, and (2) to identify the most relevant socioeconomic characteristics that relate to human mobility and COVID-19 case rates in Toronto’s neighbourhoods during five distinct time periods of the pandemic. Methods Using a spatial-quantitative approach, we combined hot spot analyses, Pearson correlation analyses, and Wilcoxon two-sample tests to analyze datasets including COVID-19 cases, a mobile device–derived indicator measuring neighbourhood-level time away from home (i.e., mobility), and socioeconomic data from 2016 census and Ontario Marginalization Index. Temporal variations among pandemic phases were examined as well. Results The paper identified important spatial clustering patterns of mobility reductions and COVID-19 cases in Toronto, as well as their relationships with marginalized populations. COVID-19 hot spots were in more materially deprived neighbourhood clusters that had more essential workers and people who spent more time away from home. While the spatial pattern of clusters of COVID-19 cases and mobility shifted slightly over time, the group socioeconomic characteristics that clusters shared remained similar in all but the first time period. A series of maps and visualizations were created to highlight the dynamic spatiotemporal patterns. Conclusion Toronto’s neighbourhoods have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic in significantly different ways, with hot spots of COVID-19 cases occurring in more materially and racially marginalized communities that are less likely to reduce their mobility. The study provides solid evidence in a Canadian context to enhance policy making and provide a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health in Toronto during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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