PONE-D-20-14796

Multiple drivers of the COVID-19 spread: role of climate, international mobility, and region-specific conditions

PLOS ONE

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Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Title: Multiple drivers of the COVID-19 spread: role of climate, international mobility, and region-specific conditions

Authors; Yasuhiro Kubota1*, Takayuki Shiono1, Buntarou Kusumoto2, Junichi Fujinuma1

Manuscript Number: PONE-D-20-14796

Article Type: Research

Reviewer; Mohamed A Daw, MD, PhD, MPS, FTCDI

Major Comments;

I read with great interest this paper and despite a lot of hypothetical assumption and ecological and bio epidemiological factors which is indeed difficult to calculate, I think the paper highlights and inspires a lot of new aspects that to be reflected on the global control of pandemic.

The paper need to be edited and formulated according the guide lines of the Journal-PLOS ONE

DECISION

ACCEPT,

Reviewer #2: The authors evaluated the role of climate, region-specific susceptibility, and international traveller population in shaping the geographical patternsbof COVID-19 cases, results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic is deterministically driven by climate suitability, cross-border human mobility, and region specific susceptibility.

From the perspective of research significance, this research is meaningful, as indicated by authors – “The present results, based on mapping the spread of COVID-19 and identifying multiple drivers of this outbreak trajectory, may contribute to a better understanding of the disease transmission risk and the measures against long-term epidemic”.

However, the novelty of this study research and the full presentation and discussion of the data are slightly inadequate. The comments are listed below:

1. As described by authors - “……several research groups have focused on relevant factors individually and quickly examined the role of climate [8–10], international mobility linked to human contact [11,12], and community-based host susceptibility [13] in the spread of COVID-19”. Compared with published studies, what are the different research findings and novelty of this study? Does it emphasize the relative importance of these factors? If so, are there any interactions between these factors?

2. The “Introduction” is too long, some descriptions such as third paragraph (Evaluating the drivers of the COVID-19 spread is a challenging task at the present phase……) is suggested to be moved to the “Discussion” section.

3. “Results and Discussion”: it was described as “negatively correlated” or “positively correlated” with the accumulated numbers of the COVID-19 cases, but did not make an in-depth discussion on what caused the “negatively correlated” or “positively correlated”. The descriptions showing the correlation are not sufficient enough, the reasons and explanations behind the data are the most important descriptions.

4. “Results and Discussion”: in addition to describing the “negatively correlated” or “positively correlated”, it is suggested to use specific data from some representative countries or regions to explain the relationship between above factors with the accumulated numbers of the COVID-19 cases. Some Tables are suggested to be added to show the specific values.

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Reviewer #1: Yes: Mohamed A Daw, MD, PhD, MPS, FTCDI

Reviewer #2: No

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Submitted filename: Reviewer-commentsPONE-D-20-14796- Multiple Drivers.docx

Multiple drivers of the COVID-19 spread: role of climate, international mobility, and region-specific conditions

PONE-D-20-14796R1

Dear Dr. Kubota,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Yury E Khudyakov, PhD

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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