COVID Tracking Project

The COVID Tracking Project screenshot

The COVID Tracking Project was a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at tracking and collecting data on the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Launched in March 2020 by The Atlantic, it emerged as a critical resource for journalists, researchers, and the general public at a time when comprehensive and accessible data on COVID-19 cases, tests, and outcomes were scarce or inconsistently reported by state and federal entities.

Background

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 revealed significant gaps in the public availability and standardization of data related to the virus's spread, testing rates, hospitalizations, and fatalities. Official sources often provided incomplete or non-standardized data, making it difficult to track the pandemic's progression accurately and to compare information across different jurisdictions.

Mission and Operations

The mission of the COVID Tracking Project was to collect, publish, and analyze the most complete data available on COVID-19 in the U.S. It aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of the pandemic's trajectory, support evidence-based decision-making, and inform the public. Volunteers, including data scientists, journalists, and public health experts, collaborated to compile and verify data from state and federal sources, ensuring its accuracy and timeliness.

Data Collection and Reporting

The project collected data on a range of metrics, including the number of COVID-19 tests conducted, confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. It also tracked the number of people recovered and the availability of intensive care unit (ICU) beds. This information was updated daily and made available through the project's website, which featured interactive maps, charts, and tools for data analysis.

Impact

The COVID Tracking Project filled a critical void in the early stages of the pandemic by providing reliable, up-to-date data that was widely used by policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the media. Its efforts highlighted the importance of transparency and accessibility in public health data, leading to increased calls for standardized reporting practices among states and federal agencies.

Closure

The project ceased operations in March 2021, as federal and state agencies improved their data collection and reporting practices, and other resources became available. In its final update, the project's organizers expressed hope that their work had demonstrated the value of clear, accessible public health data and that future efforts would build on their foundation to ensure better preparedness for future public health crises.

Legacy

The COVID Tracking Project's legacy lies in its demonstration of the power of collaborative, volunteer-driven efforts to address complex challenges. It set a precedent for transparency, accountability, and public engagement in managing health data, influencing how data is collected and shared in the wake of the pandemic.