COVID-19 Data & Policy Tracker: Cases, Deaths & Government Responses (2023)

The landscape of global COVID-19 data tracking has shifted. As of March 7, 2023, the KFF COVID-19 tracker, like many others, transitioned its data source for case and death counts to the World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard. This change follows the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center’s cessation of data collection on March 10, 2023, a move prompted by declining reporting consistency from U.S. States and improved federal data tracking capabilities. While Johns Hopkins has stepped back from daily data aggregation, the institution remains committed to COVID-19 research and analysis.

From JHU to WHO: A Shift in Data Collection

For nearly three years, the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center served as a central hub for real-time pandemic data, evolving from a simple map of cases to a comprehensive resource for expert analysis. However, the increasing inconsistencies in data reporting at the state level within the U.S., coupled with the strengthening of federal data tracking systems, led to the decision to discontinue daily data collection. This doesn’t signify an end to the pandemic, but rather a recognition that the initial, intensive data-gathering phase could be sustainably handed over to governmental bodies. The WHO dashboard now provides the primary source for case and death data, drawing on official communications and monitoring of health ministries and social media accounts, a practice established as early as March 2020. You can access the WHO COVID-19 dashboard here.

Understanding the Data: Population and Income Levels

The KFF tracker, and by extension the WHO data it now utilizes, contextualizes COVID-19 statistics by incorporating population data from the United Nations World Population Prospects (using 2021 estimates) and income-level classifications from the World Bank. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of the pandemic’s impact across different regions and socioeconomic groups. The World Bank categorizes countries based on gross national income per capita, providing a framework for analyzing disparities in COVID-19 outcomes. Regional classifications are sourced directly from the World Health Organization.

Policy Actions: A Historical Snapshot

While the KFF tracker previously provided updates on government policy responses to COVID-19, this aspect of the tracker is no longer being updated. The data currently available reflects measures in place as of the end of 2022, sourced from the Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT). The OxCGRT, a valuable resource in its own right, has too ceased active tracking of government responses. More information about the OxCGRT’s methodology can be found on their website. Which means the tracker now offers a historical record of policy interventions – stay-at-home requirements, workplace closures, school closures, restrictions on gatherings, international travel controls, and economic/health system measures – rather than a real-time assessment of current policies.

Decoding Policy Measures

The OxCGRT data provides detailed definitions for each policy measure. For example, “Stay At Home Requirements” encompass a spectrum of restrictions, from allowing outings for essential activities to limiting departures to once a week per household. “Workplace Closing” ranges from recommendations to work from home to complete sector-wide shutdowns. Similarly, “School Closing” is categorized into recommended closures, operational adjustments, and full virtual learning. Understanding these nuances is crucial when interpreting the historical policy data.

Economic and Health System Interventions

The tracker also details economic measures implemented during the pandemic, such as income support programs. These are categorized as “narrow support” (replacing less than 50% of lost salary) or “broad support” (replacing 50% or more). Debt and contract relief measures are similarly classified. On the health systems side, the tracker assesses vaccine eligibility (partial vs. Full availability) and facial covering policies (recommendation vs. Requirement). These measures, while no longer updated, provide a valuable record of the multifaceted response to the pandemic.

Data Sources and Methodology

The KFF tracker’s data on government measures is directly sourced from the Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT). The OxCGRT team provides a detailed codebook and interpretation guide outlining their data collection and methodology, ensuring transparency and allowing for critical assessment of the data. The OxCGRT codebook is available here. It’s important to remember that these policy measures represent a snapshot in time – the end of 2022 – and may not reflect current conditions.

What to Expect Moving Forward

The transition to the WHO as the primary data source for cases and deaths, and the cessation of updates to policy action data, mark a shift in how we track and understand the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus is now on leveraging established governmental and international health organizations for ongoing surveillance and data collection. This doesn’t mean the pandemic is over, but rather that the approach to monitoring It’s evolving. Continued vigilance, informed by data from the WHO and other reputable sources, remains essential. Individuals should continue to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and stay informed about local public health recommendations. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health continues to publish updates on COVID-19 research, vaccines, and public health measures, offering ongoing insights into this evolving situation. You can find more information on the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center website.