The need for speedy and more complete access to data is instrumental for healthcare providers, researchers, pharmaceutical, biotech and device companies and public health authorities as they work to quickly identify infection rates, disease trends, outcomes, including antibodies, and opportunities for treatments and vaccines for COVID-19.

A variety of data sharing and collaborations have emerged in the wake of this crisis, such as:

• Requests and mandates by public health authorities, either directly or via providers’ business associates requesting real time information on infections and bed and equipment availability

• Data sharing collaborations among providers for planning, anticipating and tracking COVID-19 caseloads

• Data sharing among providers, professional societies and pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies in search of testing options, treatment and vaccine solutions, and evaluation of co-morbidities