Sara Jean Reinelt

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is an enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus that infects the respiratory tract. It is understood that neonates, the elderly, and those with underlying illnesses are more susceptible to contracting the virus and determining further at-risk demographics will better enable health professionals to assess these populations' infection and survival rates and identify potential treatments. Based on other similar viral infections, we hypothesized that there is a significant difference in infection rates and fatality rates between males and females in New York, New York.

Here we analyze COVID-19 infection and fatality rates in New York City from March 22, 2020 to April 30, 2020 to assess if there is a significant difference between the sexes. Daily data were collected from the NYC Health website reflecting most recent information about people who had tested positive for COVID-19 in New York City and the different sexes infection rates and fatality rates were compared and analyzed daily. A one-tailed z-test for independent proportions showed a significant difference between male and female infection rates (p<0.0001, z= -33.05) and another one-tailed z-test for independent proportions showed a significant difference between male and female fatality rates (p<0.0001, z= -21.74). Regression analysis indicated that male and female fatality rates were significantly different (p<0.0001). These findings support our hypotheses that male and female COVID-19 infection rates and male and female COVID-19 fatality rates were significantly different, and agree with studies published later in the year.

Presented orally and via poster at the Saddleback College Spring Research Conference (2020) and at the University of California Irvine Student Research Conference (2021). (Full presentation, Poster)