Why is Accuracy so Crucial in Reporting COVID Deaths in WA?
Besides the obvious reasons which are truthfulness, accountability and honesty, making sure COVID-19 deaths are correctly reported is important to the economy.
Under Gov. Inslee's Phase program, counties must show they are under certain 'limits' when it comes to new COVID cases as well as deaths. By not accurately reporting them, Washington state health officials (as well as local) are hurting a county's chances of re opening.
According to a report from The Freedom Foundation late last week, and CONFIRMED by Department of Health officials, our state has been including 'other' deaths in the COVID totals.
Their process of tracking and reporting is rather complicated, but according to MyNorthwest.com, DOH officials admitted the practice, "Our dashboard numbers do include any death to a person that has tested positive to COVID-19.”
The Freedom Foundation learned that as many as (as of last week) 130 COVID deaths were likely attributable to other causes. Five were found to have been gunshot victims, but were listed as COVID. Test positive and die from Cancer? You're listed as COVID. Get in a car wreck and die if you're COVID positive? You died from COVID.
Gov. Inslee reacted to the report with a tantrum late last week, captured on video, when confronted about the errors. When challenged about any part of his "science and data" or theories about COVID-19, Inslee resorts to bizarre 'straw man' arguments that don't really make a lot of sense. For example, he will often retreat to the 'COVID-19 doubters don't care about people and the elderly,' implying anyone who doubts him is selfish and uncaring--regardless of what the facts are about the virus.
To see the video and read more about the Freedom Foundation report, click on the button below.