Being a Public Health Statistician During a Global Pandemic

ABSTRACT

In this perspective, I first share some key lessons learned from the experience of modeling the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in India since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Second, I discuss some interesting open problems related to COVID-19 where statisticians have a lot to contribute to in the coming years. Finally, I emphasize the need for having integrated and resilient public health data systems good data coupled with good models are at the heart of effective policymaking.