Santa Mercedes, with a population of 2,939, is the last of São Paulo state’s 645 cities not to register a single Covid-19 case. The municipality, located in the Presidente Prudente region of the state, stands out for its low population density: it has 16.8 inhabitants per square kilometer — compared to the regional average of 36.3.
Santa Mercedes does not have any ventilators or intensive care units, but has adopted its own strategy for tackling the pandemic. Its strategy emphasizes awareness and prevention: the city reduced work hours in public offices and focused on strategic tracking through the Family Health Program.
The town’s six community health workers have carried out home visits to all of Santa Mercedes’ households, and the local council also opened a 24-hour healthcare hotline to facilitate communication between the city’s inhabitants and its public health team.
Support this coverage →
Search
