Jay G. Ronquillo, MD, MPH and Diana M. Zuckerman, PhD
Using informatics to guide public health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA
Jay G. Ronquillo, MD, MPH and Diana M. Zuckerman, PhD
There are many conflicting theories and study results about how to get the Covid-19 pandemic under control in the U.S. Scientists all agree that as of July 2020, the pandemic is not under control in most states, but even that statement has been challenged by some politicians. Our study in the Journal of Public Health, published in July 2020, explains how experts can use existing datasets and analytical tools to evaluate the risks of different policies, and determine the resources and policies needed to save lives during this pandemic and any future pandemics.
We conducted a cross-sectional study of all COVID-19 cases and deaths in the USA, based on several public and federal government datasets, including analysis of the impact of statewide stay-at-home orders.
Results
As of late April, 2020, there were 2,753 cases and 158 deaths per million residents, respectively, in the USA. The rates varied in different regions and states. At the time that the study was conducted, 42 states and Washington, DC, (84.3%) had statewide stay-at-home orders, most of which had been implemented just a few weeks earlier. The residents of the remaining 8 states had similar chances of developing the coronavirus or dying from it at the time they decided not to implement stay-at-home orders, compared to residents of the 42 states. Residents of the 8 states therefore would be at greater risk on average than residents the 42 states that implemented stay-at-home orders.
Conclusions
Effective national preparedness requires clearly understanding states’ ability to predict, manage and balance public health needs through all stages of a pandemic. This will require leveraging data quickly, correctly and responsibly into sound public health policies.
To read the entire published article, click here
Ronquillo, JG, Zuckerman, DM. Using informatics to guide public health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. Journal of Public Health 2020. doi: /10.1093/pubmed/fdaa081.