D.C. sees slight COVID-19 uptick after reporting delay

D.C. noticed a slight uptick in COVID-19 instances, after a two-week lapse in information reporting to the CDC and no new metrics posted to D.C.’s web site because the week of April 24.

• DC Well being stated Wednesday that information was not submitted to the CDC between April 27 and Could 8, however offered no clarification as to why.

Why it issues: The weekly COVID-19 information is supposed to assist neighborhood members assess their danger ranges, DC Well being has stated, however no new information for the month of Could has been posted till a Wednesday press launch providing case counts for the final week of April and the primary week of Could.

By the numbers: Between April 27 and Could 8, there have been 1,062 new instances. That’s a small uptick in comparison with 704 new instances the earlier week, and retains D.C. within the CDC’s low transmission charge class.

• A DC Well being press launch didn’t embody info on latest hospitalizations. There have been no deaths recorded for that two week interval.

What they’re saying: Regardless of the dearth of reporting to the CDC, DC Well being stated there have been no disruptions in information reporting to D.C.’s personal key metrics, which present hospital capability and case charge, throughout that point interval and that these key metrics had been precisely up to date on Could 4 — though this was not mirrored on the web site.

• DC Well being has not responded to Axios’ questions on why information was not reported to the CDC.

Between the strains: D.C. despatched information to the CDC on Monday after the almost two-week lapse, the federal company confirmed.

• A footnote on the CDC’s dashboard now says {that a} “short-term interruption in information submission from D.C.” but in addition didn’t say why this interruption occurred.
• A CDC spokesperson tells Axios that the CDC will work to acquire a again distribution of instances and deaths, if accessible.

Flashback: In March, DC Well being switched from reporting COVID information day by day, to a weekly reporting schedule.

• This weekly report solely showcases charges and hospitalizations, not precise case numbers.

The intrigue: In the meantime, D.C. nonetheless hasn’t formally launched its wastewater surveillance program, which might monitor and doubtlessly predict COVID surges throughout the District.

• DC Well being beforehand instructed Axios this system was anticipated to begin in April resulting from delayed gear supply.
• In line with an April 27 assertion, DC Well being nonetheless doesn’t have a begin date for the wastewater program.

Editor’s word: This can be a growing story. Please examine again for updates.