![ihscovid19](https://indianz.com/covid19/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/29/ihscovid19-300x300.png)
The Indian Health Service has updated its coronavirus data, showing results through August 10, 2021.
According to the data, 212,797 tests have returned positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. That represents an increase of 1.7 percent from the 209,095 cases previously reported on August 7.
Altogether, 2,663,061 coronavirus tests have been administered within the IHS, the results show. That represents an increase of nearly 1.2 percent from the week prior.
Since mid-October of 2020, the IHS has been providing additional information about the spread of the coronavirus within the system. The cumulative percent positive column shows the historical COVID-19 infection rate, meaning the number of tests that have returned positive since the onset of the pandemic.
Based on the cumulative percent positive, the highest rates have been seen in three areas. Two of them include the state of Arizona, indicating a disproportionate toll of COVID-19 in the state:
- Navajo Area — 14.3 percent
- Phoenix Area — 12.7 percent
- Oklahoma City Area — 12.0 percent
The 7-day rolling average positivity column offers a more contemporary look at the impact of the coronavirus. The data shows where COVID-19 cases have been increasing recently.
Based on the 7-day rolling average positivity, eight areas (out of 12 IHS areas) are seeing higher COVID-19 rates. They follow:
- Oklahoma City Area — 18.3 percent
- California Area — 16.1 percent
- Phoenix Area — 12.2 percent
- Nashville Area — 11.4 percent
- Navajo Area — 9.6 percent
- Bemidji Area — 8.0 percent
- Portland Area — 7.2 percent
- Alaska Area — 6.0 percent
Notably, the 7-day rolling average positivity for the Alaska Area has steadily grown in recent weeks. The region recorded its highest-ever rate with the release of data on August 10.
Overall, 8.5 percent of IHS tests have been positive since the onset of the pandemic, the data shows. Meanwhile, the 7-day average has risen to 10.3 percent following a long period of far lower rates in the spring of 2021.
The data, however, is incomplete. While 100 percent of facilities run directly by the IHS are reporting data, only 33 percent of tribally managed facilities and 44 percent of urban Indian organizations are doing the same, the agency has told Indianz.Com.
Beginning June 7, the IHS began updating its coronavirus data on a weekly basis. But as the number of COVID-19 cases grows again, the agency is releasing results on Mondays and Thursdays. During the height of the pandemic throughout 2020 and the first half of 2021, results were provided every day.
COVID-19 Cases by IHS Area
Data are reported from IHS, tribal, and urban Indian organization facilities, though reporting by tribal and urban programs is voluntary. Data reflect cases reported to the IHS through 11:59 pm on August 10, 2021.
IHS Area
|
Tested
|
Positive
|
Negative
|
Cumulative
percent
positive
|
7-day rolling
average
positivity
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alaska | 693,473 | 14,166 | 591,193 | 2.3% | 6.0% |
Albuquerque | 103,781 | 8,487 | 73,578 | 10.3% | 3.0% |
Bemidji | 183,403 | 12,316 | 168,209 | 6.8% | 8.0% |
Billings | 107,964 | 7,638 | 96,984 | 7.3% | 4.9% |
California | 98,172 | 9,409 | 84,664 | 10.0% | 16.1% |
Great Plains | 157,431 | 14,615 | 142,299 | 9.3% | 4.5% |
Nashville | 91,985 | 7,245 | 83,222 | 8.0% | 11.4% |
Navajo | 282,209 | 33,473 | 200,031 | 14.3% | 9.6% |
Oklahoma City | 584,591 | 69,429 | 510,898 | 12.0% | 18.3% |
Phoenix | 189,147 | 23,968 | 164,408 | 12.7% | 12.2% |
Portland | 138,500 | 9,109 | 128,917 | 6.6% | 7.2% |
Tucson | 32,405 | 2,942 | 29,326 | 9.1% | 3.8% |
TOTAL | 2,663,061 | 212,797 | 2,273,729 | 8.6% | 11.1% |
COVID-19 testing data is updated on Mondays and Thursdays.
Source: Indian Health Service (https://www.ihs.gov/coronavirus)
HHS Small Ambulatory Program Awards $55 Million to 15 Tribes and Tribal Organizations (Indian Health Service)
Indian Health Service Announces New Deputy Director for Quality Health Care and Enterprise Risk Management (Indian Health Service)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
White House Office of Management and Budget (Joe Biden Administration)
Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (Arizona, Navajo Nation)
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC)
Indian Health Service (Department of Health and Human Services)
Navajo Nation Town Hall (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah)
Navajo Nation (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah)
Tribal organizations statement on advance appropriations for Indian Health Service
Indian Health Service Statement on Advance Appropriations (Department of Health and Human Services)
Indian Health Service (Department of Health and Human Services)
Indian Health Service (Department of Health and Human Services)
Navajo Nation (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah)