How Can Data from Supermarkets Inform Epidemiological Studies?
Supermarkets generate a significant amount of data that can be valuable for epidemiological surveillance. Purchase patterns can indicate panic buying and stockpiling behaviors, which may correlate with the onset of an outbreak. Loyalty programs and transaction records can help in contact tracing efforts by identifying potentially exposed individuals. Additionally, supermarkets can serve as sentinel sites for monitoring the prevalence of certain conditions, such as foodborne illnesses.
