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Original poster

Case rates

12 replies

firef1y · 04/04/2022 17:01

Is there actually much point in case rates being published on the gov website now?
With the ending of free testing, how useful a metric is it now?
Should it not just be dropped and only the hospitalisation (which still isn't that useful as a large percentage are admitted with rather than because of covid) and death rates on the site?
Or is it maybe time for that particular website to be dropped altogether (not saying hide the info altogether, after all flu surveillance is still published, it just doesn't have the same publicity)?

Personally, I'm leaning to the last option. I'm not sure how useful the gov covid data page is from now on. Testing is going to reduce dramatically from here on in and eventually it won't even be a thing for people being admitted to hospital.

OP posts:
HCAOkay · 05/04/2022 07:04

The case rates have been meaningless for a long time. I see loads of patients who tell me that they have had covid and tested positive last month, 3 weeks ago or whatever but their results aren’t even recorded because they didn’t bother to log them.

I know at least 3 people now who are positive and haven’t logged the results.

Treetops09 · 05/04/2022 12:05

Results are meaningless. tested positive yesterday. The gov website says don’t report if it’s not a free test. I’d like it to go on my NHS record but not sure how as we’ve run out of free LFT?
Is the ONS still going? That would be a better indicator

DoraSpenlow · 05/04/2022 12:42

@Treetops09

Results are meaningless. tested positive yesterday. The gov website says don’t report if it’s not a free test. I’d like it to go on my NHS record but not sure how as we’ve run out of free LFT? Is the ONS still going? That would be a better indicator
Does anyone know why only free tests can be reported? What is the logic behind that?
MossyBottom · 05/04/2022 13:55

I think we should just rely on the ONS survey for an accurate picture of case numbers.

Should it not just be dropped and only the hospitalisation (which still isn't that useful as a large percentage are admitted with rather than because of covid) and death rates on the site?
They differentiate between a)patients in hospital because they are ill with covid and b)others who are there for other reasons.
I think the number a) is a useful indication of the current state. Numbers in hospital with covid continue to have a knock on effect on all other hospital services.

Mindymomo · 05/04/2022 18:59

I wonder who is actually logging in their results, 4 of us here, I only registered my DH as he may have qualified for anti virals. Adult DS’s didn’t want to be bothered with phone calls and I didn’t have the time to do mine what with looking after 3 men and a dog.

Treetops09 · 05/04/2022 19:25

I agree, most won’t bother. I don’t think you get called anymore as track and trace is defunct. I just got an email of advice about isolating and another to apply for antivirals.

Scottishgirl85 · 05/04/2022 20:56

We didn't log ours in February. The tracking of numbers is totally meaningless now and is the source of worrying anxiety levels throughout the country

MossyBottom · 05/04/2022 22:00

The tracking of numbers is totally meaningless now
That's why the ONS figures are more accurate. They randomly sample a number of people from all over and extrapolate.

Watercoloursky · 05/04/2022 23:30

@Treetops09

I agree, most won’t bother. I don’t think you get called anymore as track and trace is defunct. I just got an email of advice about isolating and another to apply for antivirals.
Yes, when I tested positive and registered my LFT last month I didn't get one phone call.
User3456 · 06/04/2022 00:02

I think you're right that the case rates aren't accurate but for now would like them to keep publishing them.

I think the hospitalisation and death rates are very important, obviously there's a time lag though so we're usually seeing the impact of case rates from 2-4 weeks ago on them.

There's new variants around already and the vaccines are waning.
For anyone who does feel it's important to know case rates and log positive lateral flows I would suggest the Zoe app. It's continuing despite the government no longer funding it. I have started inputting into that daily again now since the free testing has gone. I think Zoe and the ONS survey are going to be the best bets for those who like to keep an eye on case levels as part of their personal risk assessment. Lots of the clinically vulnerable do this - we don't have much choice as all other mitigations have been removed sadly.

Mackerson · 06/04/2022 00:06

I agree, pointless. But if they stop publishing, people will accuse them of a cover up.

mulberrybag5 · 06/04/2022 03:51

Would our behaviour change knowing the case rates?

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