You may have noticed that state and local agencies are reporting different totals for confirmed cases of COVID-19 each day. These reports have become a daily fixture as officials share whatever information is available with the community.
Yet many are wondering why the numbers reported by the Tennessee Health Department differ from those at the local level.
It comes down to reporting, verification, and workload.
Local health departments and testing centers will receive information first and must then report it to the state. The state’s verification process presents a slight lag, as all numbers must be confirmed.
Tennesseans may see numbers differ even more as the number of testing centers across the state increases.
For example, as of 2pm March 26, the state reported 203 confirmed cases in Davidson County. However, Metro Health is reporting 293 confirmed cases.
“There is a lag in reporting,” said Dr. Lisa Piercy, Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner. “I would caution you to expect that some local numbers will be ahead of ours.” State officials did assure residents that all numbers would be reported after verification.