COVID-19 Power Shift: Experts Have 'Deep Worries' About Hospital Data

"It remained unclear how hospitals — already strapped for resources — would be able to pivot effectively to a new reporting system during the pandemic."

"The Trump administration has taken control of COVID-19 data in the United States, leaving public health experts gravely concerned about whether anyone outside the administration will be able to access the vital information moving forward.

Such data is critical for health systems to plan for necessary resources and coordinate efforts, particularly during a pandemic.

'Whoever controls the data is in the driver's seat. They have the power,' said Dr. Christopher Ohl, a professor of infectious diseases at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

'I'm concerned that we'll only get what their analyses and conclusions are, and there won't be any way to corroborate it,' Ohl said."

Erika Edwards reports for NBC News July 15, 2020.

SEE ALSO:

"White House Strips CDC Of Data Collection Role For COVID-19 Hospitalizations" (NPR)

"Trump Administration Shifts Control Of Coronavirus Hospital Data From CDC to HHS" (CNBC)

"Trump Administration Cuts CDC Out Of Data Collection On Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients. The Move Has Immediate Effect." (USA TODAY)

"Did Trump Admin Remove CDC as Overseer of COVID-19 Hospital Data?" (Snopes)

"Coronavirus Data Is Funneled Away From CDC, Sparking Worries" (AP)

"Idaho COVID-19 Hospitalization Data Goes Dark Under Trump Directive, At Least For Now" (Idaho Statesman)

"Coronavirus Hospital Data Will Now Be Sent To Trump Administration Instead of CDC" (CNN)

"Transparency Questions After Hospitals Directed To Report COVID Data to HHS, Not CDC" (ABC News)