COVID-19

Plus, Kansas City, Mo., launches new phase in digital equity work; Wisconsin unveils new broadband grants; Philadelphia debuts an online tax center; and a data map tackles chain restaurants.

When COVID-19 broke out nationwide, the avalanche of related health data overwhelmed the federal government's outdated data infrastructure. More needs to be done if the country is to be ready for the next health crisis.

A survey of 769 middle and high school students in the Los Angeles Unified School District found that respondents were worried about mental health issues, access to technology and other life stresses.

Over half of the computers in the Dauphin County Library System couldn't be used by the public because of COVID-19 precautions. This week saw the return of all computers for public use.

Not knowing how many posts people see on social media overall or where specific types of content get concentrated is keeping researchers in the dark about misinformation.

Scientists have long known that ultraviolet light can kill pathogens on surfaces and in air and water. UV robots are used to disinfect empty hospital rooms, buses and trains; UV bulbs in HVAC systems eliminate pathogens in building air; and UV lamps kill bugs in drinking water.

Since the pandemic prompted Minnesota courts to find ways to conduct proceedings without meeting in person, judicial officials have gained experience with using video conferencing, leading to benefits and drawbacks.

Between the challenges of COVID-19 and climate change, schools are becoming increasingly interested in modern HVAC systems that can filter and circulate air while reducing energy consumption.

Public-sector and industry leaders remarked on the future of work at the Smart Cities Connect Conference and Expo, saying remote should be the default to improve efficiencies and aid in recruitment.

The external relations director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services accidentally emailed the private vaccination statuses of about 40,000 state employees to different news outlets.

Among the aspects of life that went remote during COVID were public meetings where New Yorkers spoke opinions on administrative rules and decisions at every level of government, from rezonings to regulations and more.

The state of Ohio’s annual report cards for school districts, set to be released today, will include data on absenteeism and the impact of remote learning, but not overall performance grades and district rankings.

Indiana Chief Information Officer Tracy Barnes discusses how the need to deliver quickly in response to COVID-19 has elevated the role of state IT, bringing them into conversations earlier on and throughout the process.

Most state CIOs expect remote work to continue and for digital services to keep proliferating. That introduces a host of shifting priorities, including a renewed need for cybersecurity enhancements and identity tools.

Health analytics company HSR.health has created an online data tool for schools that analyzes virus cases, local conditions, and the layouts of buildings to help predict the effectiveness of specific COVID-19 policies.

Visitors from California, Hawaii, Louisiana and Virginia will now be able to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status through New York's Excelsior Pass. The pass will soon accept proof from Washington state as well.

According to California health officials and advocates, disinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines on social media and some news outlets is a major cause of vaccine hesitancy and fear.

The state is not reporting or tracking the quantity or location of new outbreaks in schools, nor is it contact tracing all confirmed cases, leaving schools with sparse information to make decisions.