Covid-19 Data Suppression? Florida Today

Any attempt to suppress reports of Covid-19 cases by jurisdictions hoping to protect their tourism industry is a nightmare for the world. Data transparency is key in containing the pandemic, especially as nations strive to reopen their economies. Florida removed control of a public dashboard on Covid19 data from the geographic information system manager who developed the website for the Florida Division of Disease Control and Health Protection. She claims the state terminated her after she refused to make manual adjustments to data. Journalists expressed concern about the state withholding details on deaths, medical examiner reports, testing backlogs. Political leaders, journalists, epidemiologists and researchers rely on the data that is provided in both English and Spanish. The state’s governor pushes for reopening. A state spokeswoman said updates to the website would continue. Florida is not alone in facing such questions on undercounting. – YaleGlobal