Submitted by Ellie Hall on Fri, 18/09/2020 - 10:22

Visualize COVID-19

A student-run site to help non-scientists discuss and engage with issues surrounding the current global pandemic

An illustration of SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the respiratory illness named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Image courtesy of Fusion Medical Animation

An illustration of SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the respiratory illness named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Image courtesy of Fusion Medical Animation

When the COVID-19 pandemic began rapidly spreading across the world, Masters students Daniel Luo and Morten Kals noticed the disorienting flurries of statistics, changing every hour, and often used in conjunction with confusing comparisons.

Speaking to friends and family, they realised that if you're not used to seeking out robust scientific data for analysis, the numbers, and associated claims, presented could be bewildering. Using their own network of biologists, data scientists, chemists and medics, they decided to create a website that would present easy-to-understand statistics with accessible articles written by those working on the virus day-to-day. Introducing Visualize COVID-19.

A download of the Visualize COVID-19 front page graph, showing the 10 countries with the most COVID-19 cases. This snapshot was taken on 17.09.20. The live graph automatically updates with data supplied by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University in the US.

A download of the Visualize COVID-19 front page graph, showing the 10 countries with the most COVID-19 cases. This snapshot was taken on 17.09.20. The live graph automatically updates with data supplied by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University in the US.

"We were both overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information (and misinformation) about COVID-19", says Kals, "so we decided to make a website that could help enhance people's understanding of key issues."

The graphs on the website are simple and clear. A trip to the 'statistics' section of the site will show you two different breakdowns: worldwide cases, deaths, and recoveries on one side; and number of cases by country on the other.

Some basic interactivity allows you to zoom in on specific time periods, easily access numbers from a specific date, and compare stats. The site is not meant to be a tool for in-depth analysis, rather it enables people to quickly see accurate global and national figures and trends.

The articles section showcases thought pieces from scientists and medical professionals currently working in areas related to COVID-19. From a simple explainer on how our immune systems work, to considering how GPs in the UK are adapting to providing support remotely, the editorials provide some food-for-thought for visitors to browse alongside the stats, presenting perspectives and experiences that many people won't encounter in their daily lives.

"In the article section, we are hoping to provide accessible content for the general public," says Luo. "We view it as a platform where experts can combat misinformation about the pandemic."

Graph showing worldwide cases, deaths and recoveries, with exact numbers for 29 July 2020 highlighted. Snapshot taken on 17/09/20. Data sourced from the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.

Graph showing worldwide cases, deaths and recoveries, with exact numbers for 29 July 2020 highlighted. Snapshot taken on 17/09/20. Data sourced from the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.

Chart showing proportions of COVID-19 cases by country. Users can hover over sections to get exact numbers for each country. Snapshot taken on 18/09/20. Data sourced from the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.

Chart showing proportions of COVID-19 cases by country. Users can hover over sections to get exact numbers for each country. Snapshot taken on 18/09/20. Data sourced from the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.

Luo and Kals are keen to present the stories behind the headlines and give a voice to those driving the science we're all encouraged to follow. They hope their work will give people a greater understanding of how that science develops and enable more of us to feel confident joining conversations on an issue so directly affecting us all.

If you'd like to share your thoughts and experiences of research or work related to the COVID-19 pandemic on Visualize COVID-19, please contact Daniel Luo and Morten Kals.

Explore the Visualize COVID-19 website

Explore the Visualize COVID-19 website

About the authors of Visualize COVID-19

Daniel Luo

Daniel Luo

Born and raised in Denmark, Daniel studied Physics at the University of Oxford, specialising in biophysics. He then studied the MPhil in Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge. He is currently working as a data scientist in London.

Morten Kals

Morten Kals

Morten was born and raised in Norway. He has a bachelor in Engineering Physics from UBC, and just completed an MPhil in Biotechnology from the University of Cambridge. He is currently working to bring a medical alarm for PEEP therapy to market.

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