A Data Visualization Newsletter

Given that we’re spending most of our time at home these days, it’s no surprise that our internet usage has gone up. But the sites we visit and the way we browse the web have shifted pretty dramatically compared to pre-coronavirus times. This piece from The New York Times delves into our quarantine internet behavior and the services that have benefitted.

Reuter’s Jon McClure brings us a new way to track whether we’re flattening the curve. By tweaking a standard chart that uses a logarithmic scale, he creates a wave-shaped visualization to show coronavirus death tolls over time. McClure walks us through how to interpret the new chart, and what it tells us about coronavirus’ impact in various countries.

As of April 3rd, the CDC now recommends that Americans wear a face mask when they go out in public. But that doesn’t mean you should go out and buy a medical-grade mask; instead, the CDC recommends making the mask out of a material you already have around the house, like cotton. Masks made from pillowcases or cotton T-shirts seem to offer the best tradeoff between breathability and filtration.

Since the CDC reported the first U.S. case of coronavirus back in January, pollsters have been busy tracking Americans’ opinions on the outbreak. At first, concern was fairly muted; but as time has gone along, more and more people are becoming seriously worried about their health and the state of the economy. Almost 75% of respondents are now concerned that they or somebody they know personally will become infected.