Results

The Sao 2 Rating study delved into the fascinating world of gaming, specifically the popular Sao 2 game. A total of 4269 players (87% male, average age: 21.7±4.2 years) and 2231 staff members (87% male, average age: 42.6±11.9 years) from 122 teams (including 16 women’s teams) participated in this research, which covered eight leagues (including two women’s leagues) organized by SPFF. Each team consisted of an average of 53.3±19.8 individuals. While 19 teams hailed from Sao Paulo city, the remaining teams were spread across 62 other cities within Sao Paulo state. The leagues included were Under-20, Under-23, Sao Paulo Cup, Sao Paulo Championship (Divisions I, II, and III), Women’s Sao Paulo Championship, and Women’s Under-17. A total of 241.9±120.9 tests were conducted per team, with an average of 4.5±3.1 tests per person. The number of tests per team varied depending on the length of the league, the number of leagues the team was involved in, and the team’s success rate, which determined how long they stayed in a particular league. In total, 29,507 tests were conducted, resulting in a positivity rate of 2.11% for players and 2.78% for staff members. There were 662 PCR-confirmed cases, with 501 being athletes and 161 being staff members. The infection rates for players and staff were 11.7% and 7.2%, respectively.

Athletes vs. Staff

Interestingly, athletes were found to be more susceptible to infection compared to staff members (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.42, 2.06, p<0.001). However, athletes had a lower chance of developing moderate to severe disease (OR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.54, p=0.012). Out of all the cases, only one athlete experienced moderate COVID-19, while four staff members had moderate disease (three males with an average age of 55.3±9.7) and sadly, one staff member passed away (a 56-year-old male). The odds of infection did not significantly differ between teams from Sao Paulo city and those from outside the city (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.69 to 1.10, p=0.253). Among players, the odds of infection increased with age (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.07, p<0.001) but did not show a significant difference between genders.

Outbreaks and Infection Rates

The study identified six teams with more than 20 individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, accounting for an average of 46.7%±10.9% of individuals per team. Additionally, 19 teams had more than 10 confirmed cases, making up an average of 27.7%±15.4% of their members. The team that experienced the most significant impact had 37 cases (45.7%), with 32 of them testing positive within a span of approximately five weeks. The researchers also discovered a total of 25 mass outbreaks, characterized by five or more infections within a single team over a two-week period.

Sao Paulo’s Infection Rate

Throughout the study period, the infection rate in Sao Paulo, based on PCR-confirmed cases, fluctuated between 0.7% and 3.1% (Figure 1D). However, it is essential to note that these numbers are likely underestimated, as indicated by the high positivity rate (28.4%) and the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the population (see the Discussion section).

This study sheds light on the Sao 2 game and the impact of COVID-19 on its players and staff. It offers valuable insights into the susceptibility of athletes, the differences in infection rates between teams, and the overall infection rate in Sao Paulo. As the gaming industry continues to flourish, it is crucial to prioritize the health and safety of all participants. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments in the world of Sao 2!