If you’re curious about the latest numbers regarding COVID-19 in Washington, the Department of Health’s data collection system is now running at full strength.

Numbers are released each day, usually around 5 p.m. with the latest numbers regarding total tests performed, hospitalization rates, demographic data, the cumulative number of cases and death and more.

Dr. Kathy Lofy, health officer at the Department of Health, noted that the data is continually updated as the epidemiological curves and testing numbers by day can change over time as the DOH graphs by collection date.

For example, the epidemiological curve graph is plotted by the date the person became ill in order to give a better idea of where they are in the course of their illness. It would not be advisable to draw conclusions from the most recent four to seven day time period, since a person tested in the past day or two likely haven’t gotten their results back.

Lofy said that while signs in the data look positive, that is due to the social distancing protocols in place; but most of the population is not immune and still susceptible to the coronavirus.

“That can all quickly be reversed,” Lofy said.

Relaxing those measures would require an enormous number of test kits distributed throughout the state so that a person can be tested immediately after showing system. This method is known as “test, isolate, trace.”

“My goal is to get to the point where anyone has a fever and a cough has access to testing that day,” Lofy said.