ICPHD changes its COVID-19 dashboard data

California does away with color code tier system, Imperial County Public Health Department has a new way of keeping you informed - 13 On Your Side's Vince Ybarra reports

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KECY, KYMA) - Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) officials say COVID-19 dashboards will now be updated weekly versus daily, previously required by the state.

The color tier system for COVID-19 cases was abandoned when the state opened on June 15.

The state didn’t require counties to report COVID-19 case numbers as often, leaving Imperial County Public Health with options. 

“The County Public Health Department decided to continue publishing case rate and positivity percent for awareness purposes,” said Janette Angulo, Director of Imperial County Public Health Department. 

Angulo says other counties in California have adopted different ways to report case numbers and positivity percentages. In addition, all counties in California have access to the same data, making sure there is transparency in reporting on COVID-19. 

Currently, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 is down from last week. But almost 40% of eligible Imperial County residents are not fully vaccinated.

Angulo wants locals to do their own research and consider getting the vaccine sooner rather than later.

"The COVID-19 vaccines are an effective tool that we have immediate access to. And this is a great tool to help prevent the COVID-19 disease and helps prevent severe illness and death," said Angulo.

She says there are plenty of resources still available for residents here in the valley. The COVID-19 vaccine is free and still available for this 12 years-old and up.

For more information on where to get the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.