The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has announced two new tools documenting the spread of COVID-19 at the regional and county levels. The COVID-19 Cases in Appalachia map displays the current number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Appalachia and throughout the United States. Higher numbers of cases are marked by larger dots, while smaller numbers of confirmed cases are represented by smaller dots. By clicking on a location, users can see confirmed COVID-19 cases and any related deaths at the county level. This map is automatically updated throughout the day drawing on data collected by the Johns Hopkins University. Due to frequent changes, it is advised that users refresh their browsers often when viewing the map. As of March 26th, at 1:30 pm (ET), there were 1,686 confirmed cases in 208 Appalachian counties.

The second tool, Explore County-level Coronavirus Impact Planning searchable database, presents a demographic data snapshot of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in relation to hospital bed counts, population and businesses, and categories of people at risk for COVID-19 in infographic form for each one of the nation’s counties. By clicking on each statistical icon, users can learn more about the supporting data. COVID-19 related data is updated daily.

These tools were developed in cooperation with ESRI, who is currently providing the data free of charge for open source use purposes.

“These comprehensive resources can serve as an important tool for policy-makers and all those involved in the response to COVID-19 in the Appalachian Region,” said ARC Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas. “This unique challenge requires an innovative response, and I am thankful to the researchers and modelers who have risen to the occasion to develop these valuable tools.”

These tools, as well as other ARC updates in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, are available at the ARC coronavirus website

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The overall objective of the Journal of Appalachian Health (JAH) is to improve the health status of the population of Appalachia through the rapid dissemination of knowledge of their health problems and evidence-based solutions to them. JAH will provide actionable knowledge through an online, open access, easily accessible peer-reviewed process focused specifically on Appalachia. JAH is available without charge to authors or readers, including those in the region who can and will use it in their work, whether in a healthcare or a non-healthcare field that has the potential for modification of factors that contribute to poor health.

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