Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Rethinks COVID Reporting

TACOMA, WA — For nearly two years now, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has provided daily COVID-19 data updates, listing the number of people who died each day, how many new COVID-19 cases had been reported— and more recently, adding updates about vaccines and outbreaks.

But, as 2022 approaches, the health department says it's time for a change.

"Last week, we reported 84 new COVID-19 cases in Pierce County on Monday," writes TPCHD Community Assessment Manager Naomi Wilson. "Then, on Tuesday, we reported 124 cases. Wednesday, it was 182. Ask yourself: Did those numbers tell you anything useful?"

Under its new routine, the health department will continue to tally all of those data points every day, but will only provide weekly reports to the public. The health department says, that will hopefully still give residents useful information about the current state of the pandemic in Pierce County, without bogging everyone down with the largely-irrelevant daily fluctuations.

"We want to share information you can use and act on," Wilson said. "The daily reporting of cases, hospitalizations and deaths is consistent—and slowly improving—but it’s not offering much that helps you navigate life with COVID-19."

Under the new reporting schedule, which goes into effect starting next week, the health department will publish a 7-day update on cases, deaths, hospitalizations and demographics each Tuesday. On Wednesday, it will post updates on vaccines and vaccination rates. Finally on Thursday, a third and final report will include information on outbreaks in schools, businesses and long-term care facilities.

"We’ll also be able to zoom out and tell you about trends," Wilson said. "How did this week’s cases compare to the last several weeks, for instance? Are we in a new wave or are case rates smoothing out? Are hospitals filling up again or is the pressure easing?"

Residents who do want to see more granular data can still access it by viewing the county's COVID-19 data dashboard, which will be updated daily.

>> Read more from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department