Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been clear that data is fundamental to understanding and mitigating the spread of the virus. Now, as we chart our path out of the pandemic, data integration has never been more important as medical teams and public health officials distribute vaccines and help guide local, state and federal leaders on reopening schools, retail, entertainment venues, and the broader economy.
Tracking the spread of disease was the most important use of data at the beginning of the pandemic as public health officials identified COVID hotspots and could funnel essential supplies like ventilators, PPE, and even medical staff to the hardest hit cities and counties. Recently, as vaccine supplies have become available, understanding vaccine distribution data to remedy over-supply or under-supply has become a priority. And now, attention is turning to using data to understand where herd immunity might already exist or be possible.
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