Coronavirus map: Check the number of cases in your county

Coronavirus map: Check the number of cases in your county

The rapid spread of COVID-19 around the globe has prompted an incredible amount of data science and analysis. Thanks to the tireless work of scientists and healthcare professionals, we have a much clearer idea about the disease’s progress, its peaks and its curve of infection.

And those stats aren’t the only ones being tracked. To help governments and individuals prepare themselves, organizations like Johns Hopkins University have put together maps showing the current case numbers, fatalities and locations of infection hotspots. Tap or click here to see the JHU map.

As useful as that map is, it still doesn’t give us a clear picture of what the pandemic looks like on the local level. But a new, AI-fueled map from IBM’s Watson and The Weather Channel is giving us a more detailed image of the pandemic on a county-by-county scale. Here’s what you can learn from it.

A new, more powerful coronavirus map with local details

The good folks at IBM and The Weather Channel have put together a brand new, AI-powered map that paints a much clearer picture of the coronavirus outbreak and how it affects our local communities.

Unlike previous maps, like the one from Johns Hopkins University, this map lets users focus on regional spread rather than global statistics and case numbers.

The map uses computing power from IBM’s famous Watson supercomputer, which made an impression on American TV audiences when it competed on “Jeopardy!” against several reigning champions.

The data the map pulls comes from the World Health Organization, as well as state and local health departments providing up-to-date case numbers and statistics. This information is validated by health officials, and features the same data points that the United States government is using for its response.

If you fire up the map, you can filter results on a county-by-county basis. These numbers represent the most up-to-date information we have and you can even backtrack and watch the spread as it progressed day by day.

Ultimately, it’s a powerful tool to see how the virus is affecting your community and it can even help you decide whether you’re safer venturing out to the store for supplies or if it’s better to order online. Tap or click here to see how to safely order and receive online deliveries.

How can I check out the map for myself?

There are actually two different versions of the map that you can view, depending on your comfort level with tech. IBM’s map is a bit more complex and offers more raw data in a less streamlined fashion.

But The Weather Channel’s map adds a graphical interface and embeds the application in TWC’s website. This gives you access to other tools and up-to-date news regarding the spread of the virus.

It’s up to you which version you choose. We’re just glad there are more options for people to check out the data. Many of the facts surrounding coronavirus can seem distant or unrealistic without seeing the data firsthand.

When you see the exponential growth of cases for yourself, you’ll understand why policies like social distancing are so important in flattening the curve of infection. Stay safe and stay healthy out there!

Tags: analyses, coronavirus, COVID-19, data science, Johns Hopkins University, maps, outbreak, pandemic, social distancing, statistics, The Weather Channel, World Health Organization