The hidden Markov chain modelling of the COVID-19 spreading using Moroccan dataset

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared in March 12, 2020 the COVID-19 disease as pandemic. In Morocco, the first local transmission case was detected in March 13. The number of confirmed cases has gradually increased to reach 15,194 on July 10, 2020. To predict the COVID-19 evolution, statistical and mathematical models such as generalized logistic growth model [1], exponential model [2], segmented Poisson model [3], Susceptible-Infected-Recovered derivative models [4] and ARIMA [5] have been proposed and used. Herein, we proposed the use of the Hidden Markov Chain, which is a statistical system modelling transitions from one state (confirmed cases, recovered, active or death) to another according to a transition probability matrix to forecast the evolution of COVID-19 in Morocco from March 14, to October 5, 2020. In our knowledge the Hidden Markov Chain was not yet applied to the COVID-19 spreading. Forecasts for the cumulative number of confirmed, recovered, active and death cases can help the Moroccan authorities to set up adequate protocols for managing the post-confinement due to COVID-19. We provided both the recorded and forecasted data matrices of the cumulative number of the confirmed, recovered and active cases through the range of the studied dates.