Covid Tracking - Why Did It Take So Long?

3min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

C d c released their own data tracker in early may, which was 15 weeks after the first reported case of covid. But even when they did that, there continued to be problems with the data and big discrepancies between their testing numbers and state numbers. Why do you think it took the c d c so long? Well, i have reached out to the c t c a number of times to try and get their take on all this, and they haven't responded. A lot of critics of the c dc think is something in the structure and culture of the agency that keeps them from moving fast and breaking protocol in an emergency.

Data is the lifeblood of public health, and has been since the beginning of the field. But essential data gathering for the COVID pandemic was hindered by a couple of of underlying weakness in the US public health apparatus. We have a fractured system where the power lies in US states that don't always coordinate effectively. Also there has been inconsistent funding. When there was an immediate crisis, there would be an infusion of cash. But then, when the crisis passed, the resources would evaporate.

We take a look at data gathering in regards to public health from the 1600s to today and how it might change in the future.

Support for this episode was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. RWJF is working to build a culture of health that ensures everyone in the United States has a fair and just opportunity for health and well-being. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org. If you have a hunch about how changes to the way we live, learn, work and play today are shaping our future, share it here: www.shareyourhunch.org