As we continue to navigate this new world of covid, there are many different ways that information is gathered and disseminated. Certain trends seem to keep repeating themselves as people gather more and more data. We look at how these patterns relate to each other to determine if there are any definitive answers or conclusions.

Some experts refer to this process as “trend analysis” because it shifts our perception of what has been happening over time. By looking at the repeated patterns, we can infer some possible explanations for why those patterns have recurred.

With that being said, let’s dive into eight important coronavirus trends in the United States. What are they and what do they mean?

1) The Spread Of COVID-19 In America

Timeline: February through April

The timing and spread of the virus in the US seems to be changing, again. This could indicate either an improvement in community transmission or worsening infection rates depending on when you look at the data.

We're now closer than ever to having enough test kits to really monitor the outbreak, so it's worth noting that the number one predictor of whether someone will need a test is whether their symptoms match up with the CDC guidelines. If they do, then they should get tested!

2) State Reopening Guidelines

There isn't actually a set timetable for when states can reopen their economies, but most agree that August is a good target.

How the US government responded

The way that the federal government handled the coronavirus outbreak in the United States was really something special. They didn’t just tell people what to do, they inspired people to be proactive by creating and enforcing systems of checks and balances.

As we all know, when there is an urgent situation happening, normal rules don’t apply. But during this pandemic, our national leadership set an example for everyone else to follow. By establishing clear processes and procedures, they gave people hope that things can get better.

At the state level, individuals were able to pick which resources they wanted to use to respond to the epidemic. This allowed some to focus on medical care while others helped organize supplies or protected the vulnerable. It also empowered people to choose whether to engage with their neighbors or not.

In addition to individual actions, important collaborations occurred across political boundaries. For instance, lawmakers worked together to pass crucial legislation, such as providing free health insurance to every person in America or funding research into effective treatments and vaccines.

These are only a few examples of how our leaders took action to address the COVID-19 crisis. While it may feel like nobody is doing anything, I want you to remember one thing: everything these officials did made a difference.

How the virus is spreading

Recent reports indicate that people are finding the disease through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. This process, referred to as indirect infection, can happen when an individual comes into close proximity of another person who is symptomatic or asymptomatic.

Indirect infections also occur when infectious agents such as viruses enter the body via mucus membranes (lungs, mouth, eyes) or broken skin. The most common modes of transmission include touching an object or surface with viral contamination and then moving your hand later; kissing, licking, or sucking an area of exposed skin; or ingesting food or liquids that have microorganisms in them.

It’s important to remember that you don’t need to be sick to spread COVID-19. You only need to be contagious if you show symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing — but even then, many people self-quarantine without knowing it.

By staying outside of crowded places and practicing frequent hand washing, you help prevent the spread of this deadly disease.

What the US government is doing to prevent and treat the virus

Recent developments, how the coronavirus has spread in the United States, and what the federal government is doing to contain it come down to two things: surveillance and testing.

Surveillance comes from looking at past cases to determine if there are patterns or clues that can help predict where and how fast the disease will spread next.

Testing helps confirm whether someone does indeed have COVID-19 so that appropriate steps can be taken to protect others and get treatment for them.

Both of these play an integral part in helping mitigate the outbreak in America. Unfortunately, we are not quite there yet.

As of this writing, only about 20% of all known cases in the country have been tested for the disease. This means that most of our knowledge of the epidemic comes not just from confirmed diagnoses but also assumptions based on past trends and patterns.

Important dates to know

Recent events have shifted our lives dramatically, but there are some important dates that you will be reminded of periodically as we navigate through this pandemic together.

These are not only for your personal health, but also to help keep yourself calm and organized so that you do not become overwhelmed.

We’ve gathered all these reminders into one place here at COVIDtrends.com. Check them out and add what is most relevant for you!

COVIDtrends is an excellent way to track the spread of the disease in your area, how many cases there have been, and more. You can use it to stay informed about steps you should take to protect yourself and others, or learn new things you can do to help limit exposure.

It’ll pull up all sorts of information, from local reports and state stats to national numbers and trends. And you don’t need to log in to use it – everything you see here is open to the public.

Update: The site was having issues earlier today, and unfortunately, they shut down completely due to “resource limitations.

What you should know

The USA is still in the early stages of this epidemic, which makes it harder to determine what actions need to be taken. However, there are some things we can all do to help ourselves feel more prepared for when the virus spreads in our community or region.

It’s important to remain calm and understand that even though your chances of getting infected may be higher now than before, that doesn’t mean you have to worry about yourself alone.

By staying informed and practicing basic self-protective behaviors, like frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, you will play an integral part in limiting spread of the disease in the US.

There is no reason to panic. We are in control of this situation, just like we were during the flu season last year. By being aware and taking action, we can ensure that the health of ourselves and those around us is at its best.

Confirm your symptoms

Now that we have gone over how to identify if you or someone around you has COVID-19, it is time to confirm your symptoms. If you are feeling sick, it is important to remember that there is no set standard for when people become infectious.

As such, it is very difficult to determine what constitutes as “symptoms” and which ones indicate you have the virus. Even more concerning, some of the symptoms may be caused by other things!

General guidelines say that the longer you are able to function before becoming ill, the less likely it is that you will get infected. Unfortunately though, this is not possible unless you don’t feel well.

Because of this, most doctors recommend speaking with yourself (and your doctor) about whether it is best to stay at home, work from home, or both.

Research your symptoms

Now that we have gone over how to identify if you or someone around you is infected with coronavirus, it’s time to look into some of the other ways that this virus can spread. Unfortunately, since people are talking about the disease more these days, there are also lots of opportunities for transmission.

You don’t need to experience any symptoms yourself to be at risk for an infection. Even being exposed to the virus without actually feeling sick is enough for some individuals to transmit the pathogen to others.

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and fatigue but not everyone experiences them all or even one of them. Some people may feel fine and then suddenly realize they are too tired to do things so they go home instead of work.

It is important to know what symptoms indicate having COVID-19 and what doesn’t. People who are symptom free very likely will remain so unless they come into contact with a person who is infectious.

However, there are some indications that show that someone might be infected with the virus. If you notice any of these signs, speak with your doctor immediately! They may want to check you for symptoms as well depending on whether you experienced them before or not.

These additional warning signs apply to anyone, especially if you are in high risk groups such as the aged or those with underlying health conditions.

Is it safe to travel?

With all of this talk about how infectious COVID-19 is, what kind of effect it has on those around you, and whether or not people are at risk of getting sick from it, one thing many may be wondering is – is it safe to travel?

While there have been some reports of infected travelers moving onto another country’s population, your best bet is to make sure that you are well rested, fit, healthy, and don’t go into crowded places such as airports.

Stay away from other people if you must, especially older individuals who could potentially be more vulnerable to the virus. Avoid eating outside of food markets or restaurants where frequent sanitization takes place.

When coming back home, make sure to check out with any symptoms before going through an airport or other forms of transportation.