Forecasting model predicts COVID-19 hospital demand

Using cellphone mobility data and COVID-19 hospital admissions data, researchers at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin reliably forecasted regional hospital demands for almost two years, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The UT model incorporated detailed public movement data and hospital admissions data to provide city-level rather than statewide forecasts. Municipal authorities credited the model with helping Austin maintain the lowest COVID-19 death rate among all large Texas cities. The researchers said the model could be used by any city to guide COVID-19 responses. (UT News article, 2/2/22)