Tracking fevers across the country shows how social distancing works

The Dallas Morning News editorial board writes:

Social distancing works. Now we have empirical evidence to prove it. A San Francisco-based company called Kinsa Health makes internet-connected thermometers and uses the data to track the rate of fever. With more than one million thermometers in circulation, Kinsa gets as many as 162,000 daily temperature readings. That data shows drops in the number of fevers that coincide with the implementation of social distancing measures.

In Dallas County, the effect is plain. The highest peak in fevers — well above the expected range for a typical year — occurred on March 16. That evening, city and county leaders announced the closure of bars, restaurants and gyms, and encouraged people to stay home. The next day, the rate of fever dropped significantly.