This research article reports that Google Trends data strongly correlates with COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Previous outbreaks and epidemics have been tracked and forecasted by using infodemiology metrics and approaches, particularly through Twitter and Google. The data from this study assessing online interest in COVID-19 and cases and deaths suggests that regional nowcasting of COVID-19 is possible by simply monitoring Google Trends data until reaching its critical point (the point at which online interest starts declining). This information is important for increasing preparedness of health care systems.