Territories and COVID-19 in Ecuador: Functional regions in response to the health crisis

Abstract

The spread of COVID-19 has altered the structure and functioning of spatial systems, giving rise to multiple dynamics. The spatial and temporal concentration of cases requiring medical care has led to the collapse of healthcare systems around the world, particularly in territories with already limited resilience potential and provision of medical services, as was the case of Ecuador. In this South American country, a reform of the healthcare system was launched as part of the 2008 Constitution that involved a strengthened investment in healthcare services; however