Second COVID-19 Stats Twitter Chat

On April 28th at 12PM ET/4PM UTC the UN Statistics Division, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, and Open Data Watch joined to host the second #CovidDataChat directly after the UN World Data Forum webinar, Data in the Fight Against COVID-19. The Twitter chat provided an opportunity to continue the conversation from the webinar and share thoughts, experiences, and follow-up questions with statistical experts around the world on the role of national statistical systems in ensuring that reliable and timely data is available and ready to use in informing the fight against #COVID-19. Below we’ve shared selected answers from our participants as well as provided a list of resources distributed during the chat. To see more of the online conversation, follow the hashtag #CovidDataChat on Twitter.

• #CovidDataChat Q1: What is the role of National Statistical Offices in coordinating the national #CovidData collection efforts in the current #Covid19 crisis?

#CovidDataChat A1: El #INEC @Ecuadorencifras participa en el Comité de Operaciones de Emergencia Nacional y asesora a entidades encargadas del manejo de datos de la emergencia sanitaria. Diseña e implementa estrategias alternativas de recolección de información vía telefónica.

— INEC (@Ecuadorencifras) April 29, 2020

#CovidDataChat A1: DOS Malaysia has conducted special survey on effect of Covid19 to public, companies and economic. This survey is a great input to the goverment to planning ahead and as a preparation to look beyond the social and economic crisis. @StatsMalaysia @Dr_Uzir

— Hartini Yaacob (@HartiniYaacob) April 29, 2020

#CovidDataChat A1: Also strengthening administrative data from agencies, high time to reduce unnecessary field work. Great collaborations with agencies producing better administrative data #COVID19 #StatsMalaysia @StatsMalaysia @Dr_Uzir

— waridhuan (@waridhuan) April 29, 2020

• #CovidDataChat Q2: How can we build a global platform to create a #CovidData repository for comparisons across countries with different forms of #Covid19 testing and reporting efforts?

I believe the UNSD, in coordination with the WHO, can take the lead in developing the global platform for this. The UNSD can develop a framework for the indicators and statistics necessary to help address the needs of decision makers involved in coming up with solutions.

— Rosalinda Bautista (@dns_rose) April 29, 2020

CovidDataChat A2 Propose different methodologies that fit with different contexts. Reduce the burden off country with minimal set of data (it is an opportunity to collect important data but not an opportunity to collect everything). Encourage sense of ownership within each country

— Ola Awad (@Olashakhshir) April 29, 2020

• #CovidDataChat Q3: How do we maintain the balance between timeliness and quality of #CovidData in the current #Covid19 emergency?

#CovidDataChat A3 Should prioritise variables needed between 'must have' vs 'nice to have'.Reallign data collection with minimum questions wont burden respondent. Strengthen administrative data coordination.Have good repo with data provider @StatsMalaysia @Dr_Uzir @Data4SDGs

— Erma Shafei (@ErmaShafei) April 29, 2020

#CovidDataChat A3: We focus on scaling tested solutions that have positive policy outcomes and protect privacy. Important to also keep an open mind about different approaches and competing versions of the truth - that's the beauty of science! https://t.co/UBlnBLVnEF

— Olga Cowings (@olgacowings) April 29, 2020

• #CovidDataChat Q4: What is the role of #OpenData in mitigating the #COVID19 crisis? How to ensure open data and privacy in relation to #CovidData?

#CovidDataChat A4: Balancing the need for immediate action to use data to save lives with human rights. We must asses both #risks and #benefits of data-use throughout the lifespan of projects. Here’s our Risk, Harms, and Benefits Assessment Tool: https://t.co/BkyW9nWMPC pic.twitter.com/lrPUdAdMOs

— UN Global Pulse (@UNGlobalPulse) April 29, 2020

CovidDataChat A4 Majority of countries are not ready for such move. However, countries with already open data culture should be supported to maintain their good practices. The crisis could be an opportunity to create positive thinking on balancing between data needs and privacy.

— Ola Awad (@Olashakhshir) April 29, 2020

• #CovidDataChat Q5: If sky was the limit with no budgetary/technology constraints, what #CovidData solutions would be most useful to address the #Covid19 pandemic?

Greater collaboration between NSOs, CSOs and others to look at ways to leverage both official and non-official sources for more inclusive data approaches. #COVIDDataChat

— Tichafara Chisaka (@Zawa_uhuru) April 29, 2020

#CovidDataChat A5: Build longitudinal profile based on the previous surveys or censuses for better understanding of what to expect during pandemic. #COVID19 #StatsMalaysia @StatsMalaysia @Dr_Uzir

— Siti Haslinda (@SitiHaslinda17) April 29, 2020

Sharing of resources

In addition to the answers shared during the discussion, participants shared new resources and publications that their respective organizations have created in response to COVID-19:

• Combating covid-19 with data: what role for National statistical systems? (Paris21)
• A Call for a New Generation of COVID-19 Models (Brookings)
• Apply Now: Data Challenge for #COVIDaction (Medium)
• Monitoring and data in the context of Covid-19 (ESCR-NET)
• Risks, Harms and Benefits Assessment (UN Pulse)

Stay tuned!

Thank you to all who joined the second #CovidDataChat on Twitter. We look forward to continuing the discussions in the next one. Please visit our website or follow @UNStats on Twitter for more information on the next #CovidDataChat’s date.