OKLAHOMA CITY – At OSDH, we are constantly striving to be as transparent as possible, giving Oklahomans an accurate landscape of COVID-19, so that they can make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones. It is frustrating when others add confusion with misinformation and uninformed opinions.
Recent reports have suggested that the CDC has a better understanding of what’s happening on the ground in our state than we do. Regardless of what CDC currently reports, there have been more than 11,000 sequencing tests completed for Oklahoma. OSDH continues to work with the CDC to clarify the discrepancy, but that doesn’t undo the hard work that has occurred thus far. Further, our public health lab has identified omicron in the state, including additional cases following our announcement of the initial case last week. We fully expect that number to rapidly rise.
The claim that CDC is reporting 92% of cases in our region are omicron is inaccurate and missing a key piece of information. That claim is a projection only. It is based on CDC modeling (NOWCAST) of variant testing around the country and the anticipated rate of spread. It is in fact, attempting to compensate for the fact that variant testing is always a reflection of what has occurred in the past. It does not mean that 92% of all sequencing completed currently are omicron. Further, to be accurate, the current projection for our region which includes all of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico is 86.7%. This number may or may not accurately reflect Oklahoma cases.
We continue to be available to assist our partners, and the public, in their understanding of COVID sequencing data, and hope that such miscommunications can be avoided moving forward.
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