Community-Wide Prevention of COVID-19: A Systematic Analysis of Hot vs. Cold Spots

Abstract

Universities in five different states are collaborating on an original large-scale COVID-prevention effort by asking many of their students to complete an innovative survey that strategically asks them to identify areas on and around campus that are “hot spots” for spreading the coronavirus. These universities—Virginia Tech, Appalachian State, Western Michigan, University of Kansas, and University of Florida—are also observing mask wearing, social distancing, and other COVID prevention measures in their communities to analyze the risk management and wellness precautions taken by students, faculty, and the surrounding communities. Mapping hot-spot areas provides invaluable information for prevention and intervention creation.