New Jersey COVID-19 municipal dataset

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Geospatial Analysis

Background:

• County-level COVID-19 data is available, but smaller geographic area data is limited.
• Municipality-level data is crucial for understanding nuanced geographic-based risk and resilience.
• Existing datasets do not capture granular data for smaller municipalities, hindering detailed analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a unique dataset tracking COVID-19 cases and deaths by municipality in New Jersey (NJ) from April 2020 to December 2020.
• To provide granular data essential for advancing epidemiological research on geographic disparities in COVID-19.
• To inform targeted public health interventions and resource allocation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Data compiled from official county and municipality websites in New Jersey.
• Dataset includes cumulative case counts and rates for each municipality on three key dates (peak, trough, second wave outbreak).
• Data specifically addresses the gap left by the state health department's exclusion of municipalities under 20,000 population.

Main Results:

• A unique spreadsheet dataset of COVID-19 cases and deaths at the municipality level in NJ was successfully created.
• The dataset covers the period from April 22, 2020, to December 31, 2020, capturing critical pandemic waves.
• This data uniquely includes 77% of NJ municipalities previously excluded from state health reporting.

Conclusions:

• The municipality-level COVID-19 dataset for New Jersey is invaluable for scholars and policymakers.
• It enables nuanced exploration of health disparities linked to local demographics and socioeconomic factors.
• The dataset supports research into social and environmental determinants of COVID-19 prevalence and transmission in diverse, densely populated areas.