Multi-sector How do Google searches for COVID-19 compare with reported cases?
Google search activity for COVID-19 has typically increased before cases are officially reported in each geography.
- In the US, the sharp increase in cases reported on March 19 was preceded by a steep rise in search activity about a week earlier.
- Before that, search activity had risen gradually, along with the number of cases.
- Reported cases have continued to rise, though daily search activity fell in the week leading up to March 24 (the latest data available).
Search Interest for COVID-19 compared to Daily Cases in US
Source: UBS Evidence Lab