The heterogeneity of COVID-19 surveillance methods, including testing differences; comorbidities that may confound diagnosis; different intervention timing; and delays in awareness, make it difficult to determine the actual magnitude of the pandemic. This Working Group aims to develop methods to count confirmed cases and total mortality (not cause specific) resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it will build a working framework of reference; link databases for an assessment of historic trends and current country and jurisdictional total mortality; model excess mortality; and identify subgroups facing higher mortality risks.
CONVERGE is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation, Program on Humans, Disasters, and the Built Environment (Award #1841338). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.