District Health Department No. 4 launches COVID-19 data dashboard

ALPENA, Mich. — District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) has launched a COVID-19 data dashboard. The health department says the dashboard will present the most up to date information available regarding COVID-19 in our counties.

As testing capabilities and availability increase, DHD4 says it is able to share more meaningful data regarding positive cases without violating confidentiality as testing increases. This increase in testing will allow them to identify more positive cases, to better understand the pattern of COVID-19 in our area, and to more easily share relevant data with the public, they stated in a press release.

“Launching the dashboard can provide some insight into COVID-19 in our communities,” said DHD4 Health Officer, Denise Bryan. “However, it’s important to remember that with a small number of cases and with some backlogs in getting testing results, the ‘trends’ that we are seeing locally are of limited value because they represent a small sample.”

The health department reminds residents that although new information and contact tracing of positive cases can give them a better idea of how the virus could be spreading, the best method to reduce the spread and protect our communities is still to stay home and leave only to provide or receive essential services.

Stay up-to date on the latest information in our health department jurisdiction at www.dhd4.org
and on their Facebook page.