Comparative Trends Pre and Current Covid-19 at Temple University: an Exploratory Approach

The CDC reports as of early 2021, adults aged 18-29 accounted for 22.5% (count = 4,443,002) of the total Covid-19 cases. The purpose of this study is to use quantitative data to measure the negative policy implications on the population of Temple University students during the pandemic. Understanding student behaviors towards safety and preventative measures of Covid-19 is complex and unpredictable, given that the pandemic is actively occurring. Tools for data tracking are extremely resourceful for the management of large organizations to keep members safe and the planning for in-person transitions and intervention strategies of future outbreaks. Using Points of Interest (POI) data, through deidentified mobile devices, provides detailed information on student’s mobility patterns on and off campus. Combining techniques of data analysis and exploratory research using public health and health informatics skills provides new findings through modern and accurate resources.

 

Decisions to close on-campus housing and food operations lead to students forced to find alternative options, such as living off campus with multiple roommates and walking to food establishments further away from campus. The responses to university policies create problems for students residing off-campus through lack of access and resources. Large datasets using POI Data, specifically foot traffic data, are extracted and analyzed through analytics tools for the first 2 weeks of university reopening in 2019 and 2020. Data is from mobile devices providing accurate relocation patterns inclusive to the zip codes of 19122 and 19121.

​