Washington residents can now access a new Respiratory Illness Data Dashboard developed by the Department of Health (DOH) to stay informed about COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in their respective regions. The dashboard, which will be available online from September 18, aims to empower communities by providing valuable information for personal decision-making on prevention measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing.
Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, the Chief Science Officer at DOH, expressed the department’s hope that the dashboard will help communities navigate the ongoing pandemic by providing data-driven insights. By comparing current illness levels with historical data from previous years, Washington residents will gain a better understanding of the severity and progression of respiratory illnesses in their area.
The new dashboard, which supersedes the previously used COVID-19 dashboard, will be updated weekly through April 2024. The frequency of future updates beyond that date will be subject to the ongoing rate of COVID-19 activity in the state. This approach ensures that residents can rely on the most up-to-date information on respiratory illnesses.
By making this data readily accessible, the DOH aims to enhance community understanding and encourage proactive preventive measures. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the Respiratory Illness Data Dashboard will serve as a valuable resource for Washington residents to make informed choices to protect themselves and their communities.
Sources:
– Washington Department of Health (DOH) Press Release
