Someone asked me if there is a place to find “the truth” about the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s a list of secondary sources I use. Whenever possible, I read any associated journal articles or preprints.

• Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security is one of the best sources for raw data, both US and global, here. They have a variety of other resources here and a daily newsletter that highlights both US and global pandemic issues and developments, always with lots of links to their sources. Subscribe here.
• STAT News is another fantastic, science-based source. They too offer both data (COVID-19 Tracker) and interpretation / news. They have a daily newsletter you can subscribe to.
• For local news, I rely on the Sacramento Bee and our excellent county public health website here. For a while I also used the Los Angeles Times but their coverage is less relevant for me now and I let my digital subscription lapse.
• My other preferred secondary sources are the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Atlantic, and the Economist. In addition to news coverage the NYT and Economist have nice data sections here (US) and here (EU). I look at the Washington Post as well but rely on it much less.
  • Of course these news organizations have perspectives, and they have opinion pages. You may not agree with them all the time, but what they say is always worthy of consideration.
• With a critical eye and careful curation I have found some excellent pieces on Medium and even on Facebook, but I advise against using those sources on your own.

What you do NOT see on this list: any TV- or video-based news networks (Fox News, CNN, etc.); “light” news sources like Newsweek or USA Today. I have a strong personal bias for serious written journalism when it comes to a topic as complicated as the pandemic.

Also sadly missing from this list is the CDC website. I am bitterly disappointed by this organization that I have idolized for years. Their communication efforts during this pandemic have been abysmal, and their website shows it. I do use the site when I am searching for specific data or information or guidelines, but in general the site is not helpful and you need to know what you’re looking for. Their data and graphics are not always easy to interpret. On that note, for raw data on the pandemic I really like the New York Health page here. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you know I use their numbers often.

While I’m on my soapbox, I’ll make a plea for each of you to choose at least one of these sources and PAY for access to their reporting. Quality journalism costs money to produce, and it’s of immeasurable value to our society. Just because you can read some of their reports free on your phone doesn’t mean you should consider it of zero cash value. Get a digital subscription as something responsible citizens do, like voting.

Amy Rogers, MD, PhD, is a Harvard-educated scientist, novelist, journalist, and educator. Learn more about Amy’s science thriller novels, or download a free ebook on the scientific backstory of SARS-CoV-2 and emerging infections, at AmyRogers.com.

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