Why are COVID-19 numbers lower on the weekends?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL, DR: The weekly pattern of fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths on the weekends is primarily due to differences in testing timing and reporting delays, but some of the pattern may be due to increased weekend socializing. Based on publicly available data, there is a widely observed ‘weekend effect’ with fewer COVID-19 cases and Read more…
In vaccine trial data we trust?!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Like a healthy democracy, a healthy data system relies on a sophisticated set of checks and balances. The FDA’s system is highly protective against data hanky-panky.* Today an FDA advisory panel meets to discuss Moderna’s vaccine data – with an eye towards recommending emergency use authorization. Your Nerdy Girls look forward to watching all Read more…
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
What are the chances that I’ll be hospitalized if I get COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The risk of ending up in the hospital for COVID-19 varies quite a bit by age. Based on data from the state of Wisconsin, the chances of being hospitalized (given that you’ve had a positive test for COVID-19) range from 1 in 100 for kids to 1 in 3 for people aged 80 and Read more…
I heard somewhere that doctors and hospitals are falsely claiming deaths are due to COVID-19 and incorrectly increasing the case counts. Is that true?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: No. There is no evidence that healthcare professionals are inflating the numbers of COVID-19 cases. Understanding the role of death certificates and how they are completed can help you get to the bottom of it. There has been increased circulation of a false claim that clinicians and hospitals are inflating the number of COVID-19 Read more…
What is the real death toll due to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway? A: The death toll has been HIGH. 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 have a way to account for this Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! In this update of a post from July, we take stock of what’s new in tracking how lethal SARS-CoV-1 actually is. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 2.9% In the U.K., the estimated CFR is Read more…
Can you put the United States death toll from Covid-19 into context?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Social and Racial Justice
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. Counting does not do justice to the memory of each individual lost or the societal impact on our communities. Putting this huge number into context depends upon how we frame this mass casualty, our personal biases, and our proximity to death. Coronavirus is one Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: TL, DR: The weekly pattern of fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths on the weekends is primarily due to differences in testing timing and reporting delays, but some of the pattern may be due to increased weekend socializing. Based on publicly available data, there is a widely observed ‘weekend effect’ with fewer COVID-19 cases and Read more…
In vaccine trial data we trust?!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
A: Like a healthy democracy, a healthy data system relies on a sophisticated set of checks and balances. The FDA’s system is highly protective against data hanky-panky.* Today an FDA advisory panel meets to discuss Moderna’s vaccine data – with an eye towards recommending emergency use authorization. Your Nerdy Girls look forward to watching all Read more…
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
What are the chances that I’ll be hospitalized if I get COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The risk of ending up in the hospital for COVID-19 varies quite a bit by age. Based on data from the state of Wisconsin, the chances of being hospitalized (given that you’ve had a positive test for COVID-19) range from 1 in 100 for kids to 1 in 3 for people aged 80 and Read more…
I heard somewhere that doctors and hospitals are falsely claiming deaths are due to COVID-19 and incorrectly increasing the case counts. Is that true?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: No. There is no evidence that healthcare professionals are inflating the numbers of COVID-19 cases. Understanding the role of death certificates and how they are completed can help you get to the bottom of it. There has been increased circulation of a false claim that clinicians and hospitals are inflating the number of COVID-19 Read more…
What is the real death toll due to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway? A: The death toll has been HIGH. 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 have a way to account for this Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! In this update of a post from July, we take stock of what’s new in tracking how lethal SARS-CoV-1 actually is. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 2.9% In the U.K., the estimated CFR is Read more…
Can you put the United States death toll from Covid-19 into context?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Social and Racial Justice
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. Counting does not do justice to the memory of each individual lost or the societal impact on our communities. Putting this huge number into context depends upon how we frame this mass casualty, our personal biases, and our proximity to death. Coronavirus is one Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: Like a healthy democracy, a healthy data system relies on a sophisticated set of checks and balances. The FDA’s system is highly protective against data hanky-panky.* Today an FDA advisory panel meets to discuss Moderna’s vaccine data – with an eye towards recommending emergency use authorization. Your Nerdy Girls look forward to watching all Read more…
Are we over-counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t lots of people dying of COVID19 be dying from other causes anyway?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
What are the chances that I’ll be hospitalized if I get COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Treatments
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The risk of ending up in the hospital for COVID-19 varies quite a bit by age. Based on data from the state of Wisconsin, the chances of being hospitalized (given that you’ve had a positive test for COVID-19) range from 1 in 100 for kids to 1 in 3 for people aged 80 and Read more…
I heard somewhere that doctors and hospitals are falsely claiming deaths are due to COVID-19 and incorrectly increasing the case counts. Is that true?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: No. There is no evidence that healthcare professionals are inflating the numbers of COVID-19 cases. Understanding the role of death certificates and how they are completed can help you get to the bottom of it. There has been increased circulation of a false claim that clinicians and hospitals are inflating the number of COVID-19 Read more…
What is the real death toll due to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway? A: The death toll has been HIGH. 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 have a way to account for this Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! In this update of a post from July, we take stock of what’s new in tracking how lethal SARS-CoV-1 actually is. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 2.9% In the U.K., the estimated CFR is Read more…
Can you put the United States death toll from Covid-19 into context?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Social and Racial Justice
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. Counting does not do justice to the memory of each individual lost or the societal impact on our communities. Putting this huge number into context depends upon how we frame this mass casualty, our personal biases, and our proximity to death. Coronavirus is one Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: Sadly, it is clear that we are NOT over-counting COVID deaths. It’s true that some people who died of COVID-19 over the past 9 months would have died anyway, but we can account for this by counting OVERALL deaths compared to the same period in previous years. Among the COVID-19 myths that just won’t Read more…
What are the chances that I’ll be hospitalized if I get COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread TreatmentsMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: The risk of ending up in the hospital for COVID-19 varies quite a bit by age. Based on data from the state of Wisconsin, the chances of being hospitalized (given that you’ve had a positive test for COVID-19) range from 1 in 100 for kids to 1 in 3 for people aged 80 and Read more…
I heard somewhere that doctors and hospitals are falsely claiming deaths are due to COVID-19 and incorrectly increasing the case counts. Is that true?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: No. There is no evidence that healthcare professionals are inflating the numbers of COVID-19 cases. Understanding the role of death certificates and how they are completed can help you get to the bottom of it. There has been increased circulation of a false claim that clinicians and hospitals are inflating the number of COVID-19 Read more…
What is the real death toll due to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway? A: The death toll has been HIGH. 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 have a way to account for this Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! In this update of a post from July, we take stock of what’s new in tracking how lethal SARS-CoV-1 actually is. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 2.9% In the U.K., the estimated CFR is Read more…
Can you put the United States death toll from Covid-19 into context?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Social and Racial Justice
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. Counting does not do justice to the memory of each individual lost or the societal impact on our communities. Putting this huge number into context depends upon how we frame this mass casualty, our personal biases, and our proximity to death. Coronavirus is one Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: The risk of ending up in the hospital for COVID-19 varies quite a bit by age. Based on data from the state of Wisconsin, the chances of being hospitalized (given that you’ve had a positive test for COVID-19) range from 1 in 100 for kids to 1 in 3 for people aged 80 and Read more…
I heard somewhere that doctors and hospitals are falsely claiming deaths are due to COVID-19 and incorrectly increasing the case counts. Is that true?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: No. There is no evidence that healthcare professionals are inflating the numbers of COVID-19 cases. Understanding the role of death certificates and how they are completed can help you get to the bottom of it. There has been increased circulation of a false claim that clinicians and hospitals are inflating the number of COVID-19 Read more…
What is the real death toll due to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway? A: The death toll has been HIGH. 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 have a way to account for this Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! In this update of a post from July, we take stock of what’s new in tracking how lethal SARS-CoV-1 actually is. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 2.9% In the U.K., the estimated CFR is Read more…
Can you put the United States death toll from Covid-19 into context?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Social and Racial Justice
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. Counting does not do justice to the memory of each individual lost or the societal impact on our communities. Putting this huge number into context depends upon how we frame this mass casualty, our personal biases, and our proximity to death. Coronavirus is one Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: No. There is no evidence that healthcare professionals are inflating the numbers of COVID-19 cases. Understanding the role of death certificates and how they are completed can help you get to the bottom of it. There has been increased circulation of a false claim that clinicians and hospitals are inflating the number of COVID-19 Read more…
What is the real death toll due to COVID-19?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Q: Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway? A: The death toll has been HIGH. 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 have a way to account for this Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! In this update of a post from July, we take stock of what’s new in tracking how lethal SARS-CoV-1 actually is. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 2.9% In the U.K., the estimated CFR is Read more…
Can you put the United States death toll from Covid-19 into context?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Social and Racial Justice
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. Counting does not do justice to the memory of each individual lost or the societal impact on our communities. Putting this huge number into context depends upon how we frame this mass casualty, our personal biases, and our proximity to death. Coronavirus is one Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
Q: Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths? Wouldn’t a lot of these people have died anyway? A: The death toll has been HIGH. 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 have a way to account for this Read more…
What is the real risk of death from COVID-19? Is it actually worse than the flu?
Data and Metrics Data LiteracyJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! In this update of a post from July, we take stock of what’s new in tracking how lethal SARS-CoV-1 actually is. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 2.9% In the U.K., the estimated CFR is Read more…
Can you put the United States death toll from Covid-19 into context?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Social and Racial Justice
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. Counting does not do justice to the memory of each individual lost or the societal impact on our communities. Putting this huge number into context depends upon how we frame this mass casualty, our personal biases, and our proximity to death. Coronavirus is one Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: It’s complicated…. but YES! In this update of a post from July, we take stock of what’s new in tracking how lethal SARS-CoV-1 actually is. First some definitions: Case Fatality Rate (CFR): % of confirmed cases who die. In the U.S., the estimated CFR is currently 2.9% In the U.K., the estimated CFR is Read more…
Can you put the United States death toll from Covid-19 into context?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Social and Racial JusticeAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
A: More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. Counting does not do justice to the memory of each individual lost or the societal impact on our communities. Putting this huge number into context depends upon how we frame this mass casualty, our personal biases, and our proximity to death. Coronavirus is one Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: More than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19. Counting does not do justice to the memory of each individual lost or the societal impact on our communities. Putting this huge number into context depends upon how we frame this mass casualty, our personal biases, and our proximity to death. Coronavirus is one Read more…
Did the Sturgis bike rally really cause 266,796 new COVID-19 cases?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: Extremely unlikely. (but that doesn’t mean it didn’t increase transmission…) The Nerdy Girls want to give you straight talk about the data whether or not it comports with our pre-existing views (like the general idea that mass gatherings are *not* a good idea during the pandemic). Trust in science relies on having high standards Read more…
So the CDC just released data that said 94% of U.S. COVID-19 deaths had underlying medical conditions?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: FALSE. We’ve heard this interpretation is making the rounds, but it’s just not correct. What did the CDC data say? The report summarized all deaths in the U.S. from Feb until August 22nd with COVID-19 on the death certificate (161,392 total deaths). The CDC reports that for 6% of these deaths COVID-19 was the Read more…
Absolute vs. Relative Risk
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and Spread
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
Friendly Pop Quiz! Which of these two statements sounds more impressive? (1) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk 50%!” (2) “Terrific Treatment reduced COVID mortality risk from 2 per 100 to 1 per 100!” The first of these two equivalent statements is, of course, the “right” answer. Which is why we scientists – in the Read more…
How do I know how much community transmission there is in my community? I am swimming in data! Someone throw me a rope!
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Infection and SpreadMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: We recommend checking this awesome data exploration tool from Harvard University’s Global Health Institute. We’ve talked a lot here at Dear Pandemic about how important community spread of COVID is, and how it’s necessary for anything like safe reopening in any setting–from first grades to zoos. The map at the top of the Path Read more…
Are we OVER or UNDER counting COVID-19 deaths?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Uncertainty and MisinformationJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact Tracing
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: We are likely UNDER counting official deaths due to COVID-19. How do we know? While we are not necessarily good at attributing deaths accurately to specific causes, developed countries are good at counting ALL deaths. While some deaths attributed to COVID-19 would have occurred during this period anyway, we can calculate “EXCESS MORTALITY” – Read more…
What’s up with this “programming error” in the Florida data on kids? How does this change things?
Data and Metrics Data Literacy Testing and Contact TracingMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
A: TL;DR Whether the positivity rate is 14% or 30% for kids, Florida still has a COVID problem. And with respect to the data error, we need to have a little understanding. Public health departments are trying to do something very difficult on shoestring budgets. Data collection in a crisis is messy and sometimes we 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
