Today, Johns Hopkins University launched a new web-based Education tracking tool. More, it shows the global impact of COVID-19 worldwide on schools and education.
The launch was announced by the University news website. Specifically, it is called COVID-19 Global Education Recovery Tracker.
More, they report that it adds to existing efforts by the university. Since early in the pandemic, they have supported a global pandemic outbreak tool. This new tool is similar, but maps the impact on education. It includes school closings.
Specifically, it is to aid policymakers, the media, and the public to understand the local impact on education. It also provides other information, too.
Hub reports that some of the key inter-disciplinary data points the tool beings together on a single platform include:
- Maps that allow users to see the density of the outbreak and its effect on counties
- The type of stay-at-home policy that is in effect and when it was put in to place
- County-level confirmed cases and deaths compared to the state levels of each
- State-level testing data
- County-level race and ethnicity data and poverty rates
- Health insurance rates by age group by county
- The number of residents per county in the highest risk age category (older than 65)
- Hospital capacity data, including baselines of licensed beds, staffed beds, and ICU beds
Tamara Goyea is a senior data scientist at APL and is involved in the map project. She told Hub, “My involvement in this project has exposed me to the true nature of the virus and its impact on individuals, families, and communities—which has only increased my desire and determination to help further awareness and understanding of the pandemic”.
This tool will prove invaluable as the world emerges from the pandemic.
VACCINES ARE KEY
COVID-19 is a vaccine-preventable disease. More, adults in the United States can now get a free vaccine regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
Moreover, they are safe and effective. Also, while some “breakthrough cases” do occur, vaccines substantially curb the symptoms.
Additionally, here are our key health messages on vaccines:
Vaccines Protect the Person Receiving it
Vaccines help to protect us from the virus.
Vaccine Protect Others, too
More, they protect others, also. And it is important to remember that some cannot receive it, including children. In fact, you can have it but show no symptoms.
Please get the shot and encourage others, too.
Previous Infection will not Protect you
If you previously had the virus, you still would need the shot. And here is why.
First, it is unclear how long immunity lasts. We wrote a number of articles documenting reinfection. And that is because there are new strains. More, viruses mutate over time. Thus, the strains currently being spread are different from the strains from last year.
So even if you had it, you can get it again.
Second, it protects others. Early evidence shows vaccinated individuals are less likely to spread the virus to others. And remember, not everyone is eligible to receive it.
How to get Vaccinated
There are several options, and the shot is available in many stores and clinics. Here are some methods:
SCHEDULE BY PHONE
Call 800-232-0233 to schedule anywhere in the U.S.
SCHEDULE ONLINE
Visit Vaccine.gov to schedule anywhere in the U.S.
SEND A TEXT MESSAGE
Text message your zip code to 438829 to schedule anywhere in the U.S