United States: Smart Thermometers

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United States
Smart Thermometers

Smart thermometer company Kinsa is using its Health Weather Map to assist in modelling the spread of COVID-19. Kinsa’s smart thermometers report a patient’s temperature directly to the company’s headquarters via a smartphone app. The company then uses the readings to model fever hotspots at the county level across the country. Kinsa has donated about 1 million smart thermometers across the United States and has been using their modelling techniques to identify flu outbreaks for the past decade. Their recent maps compare current readings to past data on flu outbreaks to assist local officials in identifying “atypical” fever concentrations that may correlate with emerging COVID-19 epicenters. While smart thermometer technology represents an impressive innovation in health monitoring, the data is only as good as the coverage of the technology, and should not replace official epidemic modelling efforts.

This interactive map depicts the atypical instance of fevers across the U.S. Click the map to view your county’s data. All COVID-19 updates will be displayed in a red box.

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Saudi Arabia
Delay for Hajj Pilgrimage
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Minister is requesting pilgrims delay their Hajj pilgrimage to the holy places of Mecca and Medina. The growing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic has left leaders concerned about the safety of the pilgrims to the holy cities. Two million people were expected to embark on the week-long spiritual ritual in late July as customary for Islam. The other year-round pilgrimage for Muslims, Umrah, was suspended earlier this month due to COVID-19. Saudi Arabia has suspended all commercial flights, and blocked entry into three cities, including Mecca and Medina, to prevent the spread of the virus to the holy cities.This map depicts the six day Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Click on the map to expand.

Further Reading: BBC, Associated Press, TIME, U.S. News, Washington Post

Graphic Source: Al Jazeera
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United States
Idaho Earthquake
Idaho was hit by a powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake at 5:52 pm local time yesterday evening, the strongest quake to strike the state since 1983. Its epicenter was located near Stanley, about 78 miles northeast of the state capital, Boise. Eruptions of the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park were noticeably longer because of the seismic activity. According to reports, the tremors were felt in Oregon, Montana, Washington State and as far away as Canada. There were more than half a dozen aftershocks in the hours following the main quake. There are no reports of any significant damage or injuries according to local sources.This map depicts the epicenter of yesterday’s earthquake in Idaho. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: Daily Express, The Weather Channel, CNBC, NBC, USA Today
Graphic Source: LA Times

+ Most people haven’t even heard of Transnistria, the breakaway state of Moldova that hugs its border with Ukraine. Transnistria does not officially exist, but it has its own government, currency and passport.

+ Ancient air pollution, trapped in glacial ice in the Swiss Alps, sheds light on life during medieval times. Scientists have found traces of lead, transported on the winds from British mines that operated in the late 1100s.
+ Take a look at the newest Geographical Review article: Reading China’s self-definition of international politics from intergovernmental conferences.

Yesterday’s Answer

Q: The King Fahd Causeway at a length of 15 miles (24 km), connects which island country to the mainland?

A: Bahrain
Officially open to the public in 1986, the King Fahd Causeway links the Kingdom of Bahrain with the Eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The causeway was built to strengthened bilateral relations and regional defense between the both countries. It consists of five bridges and seven embankments which are interconnected by islands and dams. The largest embankment serves as a border station that includes two mosques, restaurants and government directorates.

Source

Today’s Question

Q: Although geographically located in mainland Central America, which country is often culturally associated with the Caribbean?

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United States: Smart Thermometers