[Goose]

This is so frustrating, because this is the (under-publicized) other purpose of contact tracing.  Not only does contact tracing enable tracers to find and isolate cases, it also informs policy!  As people on this thread have noted, we are flying blind (or there is a substantial lack of transparency).  I want to know, what are the demographics of the positive cases.  How did they get COVID-19.  Was it at work performing an essential job or did they get it from a close family member, or was it from  restaurants, or parties in their home, or walking around, or religious services, or in a long-term care facility or in a prison, etc..  How many people got sick through each mechanism.  How many people is the mechanism unknown?  That information would allow us to close the riskiest activities (if they can be closed) and leave less risky activities open.  It can also inform behavior.  I have assumed that outdoor activities away from other people, like walking, are pretty safe.  But if we knew that a substantial percentage of people got COVID through that mechanism, I sure as hell would modify my behavior, whether it was mandated or not.  The lack of data (or lack of transparency) is a travesty this far into a pandemic.

BC

Absolutely true. Knowing who is getting it and how they got it can inform us about what to regulate, what to prohibit, and what we can allow without negative consequences. I have been working hard to get San Mateo County to release some data, any data, on what they are seeing. So far, nothing. I must admit that I am now doubting their veracity regarding how well they are doing.

HIPPA doesn't prohibit release of data that is not and cannot be identified with a particular patient. Community statistics can't possibly violate HIPPA as far as I can see.

[Goose]

This is so frustrating, because this is the (under-publicized) other purpose of contact tracing.  Not only does contact tracing enable tracers to find and isolate cases, it also informs policy!  As people on this thread have noted, we are flying blind (or there is a substantial lack of transparency).  I want to know, what are the demographics of the positive cases.  How did they get COVID-19.  Was it at work performing an essential job or did they get it from a close family member, or was it from  restaurants, or parties in their home, or walking around, or religious services, or in a long-term care facility or in a prison, etc..  How many people got sick through each mechanism.  How many people is the mechanism unknown?  That information would allow us to close the riskiest activities (if they can be closed) and leave less risky activities open.  It can also inform behavior.  I have assumed that outdoor activities away from other people, like walking, are pretty safe.  But if we knew that a substantial percentage of people got COVID through that mechanism, I sure as hell would modify my behavior, whether it was mandated or not.  The lack of data (or lack of transparency) is a travesty this far into a pandemic.

BC

Absolutely true. Knowing who is getting it and how they got it can inform us about what to regulate, what to prohibit, and what we can allow without negative consequences. I have been working hard to get San Mateo County to release some data, any data, on what they are seeing. So far, nothing. I must admit that I am now doubting their veracity regarding how well they are doing.

HIPPA doesn't prohibit release of data that is not and cannot be identified with a particular patient. Community statistics can't possibly violate HIPPA as far as I can see.