Brazil has been severely hit by COVID-19, with rapid spatial spread of
both cases and deaths. We use daily data on reported cases and deaths to
understand, measure, and compare the spatiotemporal pattern of the spread
across municipalities. Indicators of clustering, trajectories, speed, and
intensity of the movement of COVID-19 to interior areas, combined with
indices of policy measures show that while no single narrative explains the
diversity in the spread, an overall failure of implementing prompt,
coordinated, and equitable responses in a context of stark local
inequalities fueled disease spread. This resulted in high and unequal
infection and mortality burdens. With a current surge in cases and deaths
and several variants of concern in circulation, failure to mitigate the
spread could further aggravate the burden.