The Impact of Socio-Environmental Factors on COVID-19 Transmission: A Spatial and Temporal Analysis

This thesis investigates the effects of weather variability, socio-environmental factors and digital surveillance data on spatial and temporal dynamics of COVID-19 transmission in Australia. By integrating high-resolution socio-environmental and digital data, the study identifies high-risk populations and regions, elucidating the complex interactions between weather variability and public health interventions in shaping epidemic patterns and transmission dynamics. This research provides the first comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 transmission dynamics in Australia, supporting the development of adaptive surveillance strategies and targeted public health recommendations, and proposes a preliminary framework for integrated digital surveillance and weather-based early warning systems for infectious diseases.