Data, Epidemiological Modelling and COVID-19
We have a far greater understanding and ability to respond to Covid-19 compared to previous pandemics. Scientists and academics across the world are working tirelessly on a vaccine, epidemiological modelling and the use of data is one of the most effective means of understanding, combating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the short term.
The demand for high quality, informed analysis, opinion and insight into the pandemic is enormous. Below we have gathered some of the most insightful and reliable articles, web pages and social media posts that either use data or display epidemiological models of COVID-19 — of course we will keep this resource up to date in the coming weeks.
Worldometer — Coronavirus Update (Live)
The Worldometer dashboard is probably the most accessible web page available. Using live news updates, it simply counts the number of total cases, live cases, deaths and recoveries per country per day.
Our World in Data
Applying data and statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), Our World in Data brings together multiple streams and generates interactive and easily digestible graphs, charts and maps whilst describing what they mean in layman’s terms.
Coronavirus tracked: the latest figures as the pandemic spreads
Steve Bernard, Cale Tilford and John Burn-Murdoch from the Financial Times have written a detailed report that regularly updates and tracks the countries affected, the number of deaths and the economic impact of COVID-19 globally.
John Burn-Murdoch has also created a Twitter thread dedicated to this piece where he provides snapshots of vital information and correlating graphs.
The Washington Post
The Washington Post has written two important pieces that explain the COVID-19 outbreak and ways in which to stop its spread, using mathematical models. These pieces also detail a couple of theories that have been used as policy by Governments across the globe. They are well written, extremely insightful and highly digestible.
How epidemics like COVID-19 end (and how to end them faster)
Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve”
If you are not subscribed to The Washington Post then you are only able to access a certain number of articles a month.
LinkedIn — Professor Rama Cont
Professor Rama Cont from Oxford University uses exponential growth as a means to convey how quickly COVID-19 is spreading across the UK and what he believes will be a predicted count of cases in the following weeks. This post is easily accessible and the comments section is highly engaging.
Medium — Tomas Pueyo
Translated into multiple languages, Coronavirus: Why You Must Act Now utilises charts, data and models packed with sources to detail how the COVID-19 has spread, how governments have reacted to this pandemic and how individuals, businesses and governments can combat COVID-19. For a Medium article, it is rather long — but this is due to its fine detail and consistent updates by the author.
CMMID Repository
The Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases (CMMID) has listed multiple technical papers relating to COVID-19. Papers can be categorised by the following topics: Current patterns of transmission, Severity of COVID-19, Control measures and Early outbreak dynamics. The CMMID have also made multiple interactive applications and many posts have been translated into Chinese.
Reddit — The WHO sent 25 international experts to China and here are their main findings after 9 days
Using information from a press conference on Youtube and the final commission report from the WHO after they visited Beijing, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Chengdu, this post highlights their key findings. Whilst there is little epidemiological modelling data, the information present throughout is highly relevant and detailed throughout.
