Day Late and a Dollar Short? Washington County Edition

The Governor's coronavirus task force reviewed the data from Washington county on Wednesday. Wonder if they read my post from Tuesday (which, BTW, sat from Sunday half-written, based on stuff I'd noticed late last week).

Not bragging (well maybe a little), but definitely trying to point out to SUU economics majors that you have the tools to figure this stuff out, and may be better at it than higher authorities.

State officials are reviewing an increase in coronavirus cases in Southern Utah and expressing concern – especially for Washington County where cases have gone up 50% in the last week.

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... in the last 72 hours, someone in Washington County has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus every two hours.

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Much of that has come within the city boundaries of St. George, as the Utah Department of Health has started releasing data specific to small areas and cities. Of the 156 cases in St. George, as of Wednesday, more than 100 have been in the last two weeks.

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Dr. Angela Dunn, the state epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health, told St. George News that Southern Utah got the attention of the governor’s coronavirus task force, which reviewed the data from the area Wednesday morning. She said it was determined the hike in the local case rate cannot just be linked to an increase in the number and availability of testing.

“It doesn’t seem to be linked to increase in testing. We’re seeing an increase in the percent positive as well,” Dunn said. “There is the potential for more of a surge in Southern Utah. At this point, we’re asking the community there to be a little more diligent about social distancing.” 

All those quoters were from the article entitled "State concerned about rise in Washington County COVID-19 cases, local officials not as alarmed". Hat tip MJT.

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For my part, the last 2 days of data that I can see on the site of the Southwest Utah Public Health Department look a tad improved. Keep in mind that it improved the same way from the 13th to the 15th. (One thing I intend to post about soon is that you need to have be careful with high frequency epidemiological data: it gets lumpy and bumpy. I'll show you how to fix that too).

Also, I've been doing the same charts for Iron County as I did for Washington County. They look better. BUT ... the last week in Iron county looks worse. Nothing like Washington county, but definitely not improving.