Population Basics Part 1
Data and Metrics
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Dear Pandemic is excited to introduce Nerdy Guest Michal Engelman, PhD. Dr. Engelman teaches and studies population health and aging at UW-Madison’s Center for Demography and Ecology. She joins us today to talk some basics about population. She’ll be back for part 2 on Thursday! Q: I’ve never heard the word population so much in Read more…
What is surveillance?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What do you make of the recent news that 1 in 3 kids in Florida tested positive for COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Let’s be sure we know what these numbers are telling us, and what they are not. The Florida Sun Sentinel recently reported that “Nearly one-in-three children tested for the new coronavirus in Florida has been positive.” Specifically, that’s 17,000 total positive tests among children. What’s more, 4 Florida children have died of COVID-19. What Read more…
What is the real death toll due to COVID-19? Are we OVER or UNDER counting deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The death toll has been HIGH (specifics below), -We are likely UNDER counting deaths due to COVID-19. -While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – the number of deaths above and beyond those that would have been expected based on previous years. Deaths Read more…
How can it be that COVID-19 cases are increasing but deaths are decreasing in the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Timing, timing, timing. And some other factors too. As this Vox article notes, “The sinking death rates reflect the state of the pandemic a month or more ago, experts say, when the original hot spots had been contained and other states had only just begun to open up restaurants and other businesses.” We have Read more…
Cases are going up in my area, should I freak out?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Even if your local or state public health department hasn’t come out and said so, a sharp increase in COVID-19 in your local area is cause for major concern and deserves a speedy response from you – and hopefully, also your local public health department! Time to cut back your nonessential activities and double-down Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Racial Disparities in COVID-19
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
You’ve talked a lot about racial disparities in COVID19. What do you mean by disparities, and what does this actually look like for COVID19? A: A health disparity when we see a preventable difference in health outcomes when we compare a socially or economically disadvantaged group to a more advantaged one. So for example, when Read more…
Nerdy Guest Dr. Michael Levy on CDC Reporting of COVID-19 Test Results
Data and Metrics
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
Dear Pandemic is excited to introduce Nerdy Guest Michal Engelman, PhD. Dr. Engelman teaches and studies population health and aging at UW-Madison’s Center for Demography and Ecology. She joins us today to talk some basics about population. She’ll be back for part 2 on Thursday! Q: I’ve never heard the word population so much in Read more…
What is surveillance?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What do you make of the recent news that 1 in 3 kids in Florida tested positive for COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Let’s be sure we know what these numbers are telling us, and what they are not. The Florida Sun Sentinel recently reported that “Nearly one-in-three children tested for the new coronavirus in Florida has been positive.” Specifically, that’s 17,000 total positive tests among children. What’s more, 4 Florida children have died of COVID-19. What Read more…
What is the real death toll due to COVID-19? Are we OVER or UNDER counting deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The death toll has been HIGH (specifics below), -We are likely UNDER counting deaths due to COVID-19. -While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – the number of deaths above and beyond those that would have been expected based on previous years. Deaths Read more…
How can it be that COVID-19 cases are increasing but deaths are decreasing in the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Timing, timing, timing. And some other factors too. As this Vox article notes, “The sinking death rates reflect the state of the pandemic a month or more ago, experts say, when the original hot spots had been contained and other states had only just begun to open up restaurants and other businesses.” We have Read more…
Cases are going up in my area, should I freak out?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Even if your local or state public health department hasn’t come out and said so, a sharp increase in COVID-19 in your local area is cause for major concern and deserves a speedy response from you – and hopefully, also your local public health department! Time to cut back your nonessential activities and double-down Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Racial Disparities in COVID-19
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
You’ve talked a lot about racial disparities in COVID19. What do you mean by disparities, and what does this actually look like for COVID19? A: A health disparity when we see a preventable difference in health outcomes when we compare a socially or economically disadvantaged group to a more advantaged one. So for example, when Read more…
Nerdy Guest Dr. Michael Levy on CDC Reporting of COVID-19 Test Results
Data and Metrics
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: Our nerdy guest, Dr. Meredith Matone (Scientific Director, CHOP Policy Lab) helped us to understand this concept last week in a Facebook Live Interview. Here we offer a brief follow up to continue to shed light on the concept of surveillance. Surveillance is: the early and systematic monitoring of community health data to inform Read more…
What do you make of the recent news that 1 in 3 kids in Florida tested positive for COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Let’s be sure we know what these numbers are telling us, and what they are not. The Florida Sun Sentinel recently reported that “Nearly one-in-three children tested for the new coronavirus in Florida has been positive.” Specifically, that’s 17,000 total positive tests among children. What’s more, 4 Florida children have died of COVID-19. What Read more…
What is the real death toll due to COVID-19? Are we OVER or UNDER counting deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The death toll has been HIGH (specifics below), -We are likely UNDER counting deaths due to COVID-19. -While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – the number of deaths above and beyond those that would have been expected based on previous years. Deaths Read more…
How can it be that COVID-19 cases are increasing but deaths are decreasing in the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Timing, timing, timing. And some other factors too. As this Vox article notes, “The sinking death rates reflect the state of the pandemic a month or more ago, experts say, when the original hot spots had been contained and other states had only just begun to open up restaurants and other businesses.” We have Read more…
Cases are going up in my area, should I freak out?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Even if your local or state public health department hasn’t come out and said so, a sharp increase in COVID-19 in your local area is cause for major concern and deserves a speedy response from you – and hopefully, also your local public health department! Time to cut back your nonessential activities and double-down Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Racial Disparities in COVID-19
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
You’ve talked a lot about racial disparities in COVID19. What do you mean by disparities, and what does this actually look like for COVID19? A: A health disparity when we see a preventable difference in health outcomes when we compare a socially or economically disadvantaged group to a more advantaged one. So for example, when Read more…
Nerdy Guest Dr. Michael Levy on CDC Reporting of COVID-19 Test Results
Data and Metrics
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: Let’s be sure we know what these numbers are telling us, and what they are not. The Florida Sun Sentinel recently reported that “Nearly one-in-three children tested for the new coronavirus in Florida has been positive.” Specifically, that’s 17,000 total positive tests among children. What’s more, 4 Florida children have died of COVID-19. What Read more…
What is the real death toll due to COVID-19? Are we OVER or UNDER counting deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: The death toll has been HIGH (specifics below), -We are likely UNDER counting deaths due to COVID-19. -While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – the number of deaths above and beyond those that would have been expected based on previous years. Deaths Read more…
How can it be that COVID-19 cases are increasing but deaths are decreasing in the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Timing, timing, timing. And some other factors too. As this Vox article notes, “The sinking death rates reflect the state of the pandemic a month or more ago, experts say, when the original hot spots had been contained and other states had only just begun to open up restaurants and other businesses.” We have Read more…
Cases are going up in my area, should I freak out?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Even if your local or state public health department hasn’t come out and said so, a sharp increase in COVID-19 in your local area is cause for major concern and deserves a speedy response from you – and hopefully, also your local public health department! Time to cut back your nonessential activities and double-down Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Racial Disparities in COVID-19
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
You’ve talked a lot about racial disparities in COVID19. What do you mean by disparities, and what does this actually look like for COVID19? A: A health disparity when we see a preventable difference in health outcomes when we compare a socially or economically disadvantaged group to a more advantaged one. So for example, when Read more…
Nerdy Guest Dr. Michael Levy on CDC Reporting of COVID-19 Test Results
Data and Metrics
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: The death toll has been HIGH (specifics below), -We are likely UNDER counting deaths due to COVID-19. -While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – the number of deaths above and beyond those that would have been expected based on previous years. Deaths Read more…
How can it be that COVID-19 cases are increasing but deaths are decreasing in the U.S.?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and SpreadAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Timing, timing, timing. And some other factors too. As this Vox article notes, “The sinking death rates reflect the state of the pandemic a month or more ago, experts say, when the original hot spots had been contained and other states had only just begun to open up restaurants and other businesses.” We have Read more…
Cases are going up in my area, should I freak out?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Staying Safe
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Even if your local or state public health department hasn’t come out and said so, a sharp increase in COVID-19 in your local area is cause for major concern and deserves a speedy response from you – and hopefully, also your local public health department! Time to cut back your nonessential activities and double-down Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Racial Disparities in COVID-19
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
You’ve talked a lot about racial disparities in COVID19. What do you mean by disparities, and what does this actually look like for COVID19? A: A health disparity when we see a preventable difference in health outcomes when we compare a socially or economically disadvantaged group to a more advantaged one. So for example, when Read more…
Nerdy Guest Dr. Michael Levy on CDC Reporting of COVID-19 Test Results
Data and Metrics
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: Timing, timing, timing. And some other factors too. As this Vox article notes, “The sinking death rates reflect the state of the pandemic a month or more ago, experts say, when the original hot spots had been contained and other states had only just begun to open up restaurants and other businesses.” We have Read more…
Cases are going up in my area, should I freak out?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread Staying SafeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Even if your local or state public health department hasn’t come out and said so, a sharp increase in COVID-19 in your local area is cause for major concern and deserves a speedy response from you – and hopefully, also your local public health department! Time to cut back your nonessential activities and double-down Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Racial Disparities in COVID-19
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
You’ve talked a lot about racial disparities in COVID19. What do you mean by disparities, and what does this actually look like for COVID19? A: A health disparity when we see a preventable difference in health outcomes when we compare a socially or economically disadvantaged group to a more advantaged one. So for example, when Read more…
Nerdy Guest Dr. Michael Levy on CDC Reporting of COVID-19 Test Results
Data and Metrics
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: Even if your local or state public health department hasn’t come out and said so, a sharp increase in COVID-19 in your local area is cause for major concern and deserves a speedy response from you – and hopefully, also your local public health department! Time to cut back your nonessential activities and double-down Read more…
Maybe this increase in cases is good…. aren’t we getting closer to herd immunity?
Biology/Immunity Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Racial Disparities in COVID-19
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
You’ve talked a lot about racial disparities in COVID19. What do you mean by disparities, and what does this actually look like for COVID19? A: A health disparity when we see a preventable difference in health outcomes when we compare a socially or economically disadvantaged group to a more advantaged one. So for example, when Read more…
Nerdy Guest Dr. Michael Levy on CDC Reporting of COVID-19 Test Results
Data and Metrics
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: NO and NO! It’s been a while since we touched on herd immunity, so first some quick review. If we think of SARS-CoV-2 infections as sparks, uninfected people are the fuel. The very basic idea of herd immunity is that individuals who are already immune–either through previous infection or a vaccine–act as a “firewall” Read more…
What Covid-19 metrics are best suited to guide our actions as a society moving forward?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Racial Disparities in COVID-19
Data and Metrics Social and Racial Justice
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
You’ve talked a lot about racial disparities in COVID19. What do you mean by disparities, and what does this actually look like for COVID19? A: A health disparity when we see a preventable difference in health outcomes when we compare a socially or economically disadvantaged group to a more advantaged one. So for example, when Read more…
Nerdy Guest Dr. Michael Levy on CDC Reporting of COVID-19 Test Results
Data and Metrics
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: Good scientific metrics require accurate measurement and must be reflective of the situation in real life. Unfortunately, Covid-19 creates opportunities for metrics upon metrics, some of which are not incredibly useful in guiding actions to stop the spread of the disease. With the help of a recent piece in the Washington Post, we will Read more…
Racial Disparities in COVID-19
Data and Metrics Social and Racial JusticeMalia Jones, PhD MPH
You’ve talked a lot about racial disparities in COVID19. What do you mean by disparities, and what does this actually look like for COVID19? A: A health disparity when we see a preventable difference in health outcomes when we compare a socially or economically disadvantaged group to a more advantaged one. So for example, when Read more…
Nerdy Guest Dr. Michael Levy on CDC Reporting of COVID-19 Test Results
Data and Metrics
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
You’ve talked a lot about racial disparities in COVID19. What do you mean by disparities, and what does this actually look like for COVID19? A: A health disparity when we see a preventable difference in health outcomes when we compare a socially or economically disadvantaged group to a more advantaged one. So for example, when Read more…
Nerdy Guest Dr. Michael Levy on CDC Reporting of COVID-19 Test Results
Data and MetricsAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying Safe
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
Today’s Nerdy Guest post is from Dr. Michael Levy, associate professor of epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Levy studies disease ecology and control of vector-borne infectious disease. He likes bugs. Dr. Levy’s post addresses the CDC’s reporting of COVID-19 test results. He is quoted in this story. Read more…
How do I know what is going on in my county/state in order to calibrate my activities and risk as things open up?
Data and Metrics Reopening Staying SafeJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and Spread
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: “Covid Act Now” has put together a really useful website with COVID data and risk levels for all 50 states and 2100+ counties. They use four key indicators for gauging risk: 1) Is COVID spreading? Are cases and deaths increasing? 2) Are we testing enough? Is COVID testing widespread enough to identify new cases? Read more…
Should I be worried about my child spreading COVID-19 and/or getting strange and serious COVID-19 symptoms?
Clinical Symptoms Data and Metrics Families/Kids Infection and SpreadAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: If we look at the data to date (we can’t know about data that we don’t have!), children are much less likely to get COVID-19 than adults after exposure. The data also tell us that it is likely that fewer children are infected in the community than adults and that they are less likely Read more…
Are doctors over-reporting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: Nope. Based on recent data from the CDC, we can see that starting in mid-March there have been thousands of excess deaths (overall deaths compared to historical mortality patterns) that have not been counted as COVID-19 deaths. This likely under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths is especially true in places that have been harder hit by Read more…
When comparing COVID-19 cases across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size or just the total number of cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and SpreadAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact Tracing
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
Q: If I want to look at graphs of COVID-19 cases and compare across countries, should I look at graphs that are adjusted for country population size (for example, number of cases per 100,000 people) or just the total number of cases? A: Hey, whatever floats your boat, we won’t judge, but there’s a good Read more…
I’ve been hearing a lot about false negative COVID test results. Can you explain?
Data and Metrics Testing and Contact TracingLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: The false negative rate is the % of infected individuals who incorrectly test negative for COVID. For example, a hot-off-the-press NPR article reports a 15% false negative rate for Abbott’s new rapid COVID test. A 15% false negative rate indicates that out of 100 infected individuals, 15 would incorrectly test negative. How do we Read more…
Are COVID-19 deaths being undercounted?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: Yes, very likely. Since thus far most COVID-19 deaths are only recorded as such if the person has tested positive prior to death, deaths at home or in nursing/care homes and even in hospitals may not be counted. In New York City this week, officials released additional data on “presumptive” cases due to their Read more…
DATA NERD ALERT
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
StatNews has produced a cool new data dashboard with county-level COVID preparedness scores. The tool synthesizes a variety of county-level factors (e.g. access to care, % population at risk for severe infections, and socioeconomic vulnerability) and incorporates epidemiological estimates from a leading modeling group (IHME at the University of Washington). EDITED UPDATE: The dashboard is Read more…
The numbers of cases and deaths in some parts of the country are looking better than expected. Did we overreact with all the distancing measures and closures?
Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact Tracing
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: So much no. No, no, nopeity nope. It’s very tempting to Monday morning quarterback the decisions that cities and states have made over the past few weeks, and the recommendations from the CDC. The physical distancing measures, the school closures and the near total shut-down of the economy feel extreme, particularly given some glimmers Read more…
Why is everyone suddenly talking about the positivity rate? Is this positive psychology or something else?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Testing and Contact TracingAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and Spread
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: Definitely not positive psychology! The positivity rate is simply the fraction of people who test positive for COVID-19 out of all the people who get tested. It is important because it is a rough indicator of how much of the true extent of COVID-19 infection is being detected and diagnosed. In other words, a Read more…
Is COVID-19 really the leading cause of death in the US?
Data and Metrics Infection and SpreadAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
A: By some measures, yes it is. When one of your friendly resident Nerdy Girls saw this tweet from Andy Slavitt earlier today: “The daily CV death toll has surpassed everything else,” she wondered, can this possibly be true? Well, it turns out that over the past few weeks, COVID-19 has charged up the list Read more…
