Responding to requests from local residents, Collin County officials are making detailed coronavirus case data available to the public in an easily accessible format.

County Administrator Bill Bilyeu debuted the new online data-tracking site at Monday’s commissioners court meeting as part of an update on Collin County’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The interactive dashboard includes the latest numbers of confirmed cases, including how many are hospitalized, and total cases by age and sex. Tabs in each section show additional data, graphs, and links to the county’s latest health news and advisories.

An interactive map shows each patient’s city and demographic data, plus whether they’ve traveled, had contact with another confirmed case, or have underlying health conditions.

“There had been a request from people to see some type of graphical representative style,” Bilyeu told commissioners.

Bilyeu said according to current reporting, Collin County is not distressed, but he expects the county will have more cases as testing increases.

He said most private labs are still requiring a doctor’s order, but a regional drive-through lab set up by FEMA in Dallas County offers tests without one. Bilyeu stressed only people experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should seek testing at this time.

“The county is still open for business, operating by appointment only,” he added.

Bilyeu and County Judge Chris Hill praised the county’s epidemiology team, which has been working on case contact tracing, as well as the health department and public information office. Employees from other departments have been reassigned to help the healthcare team.

Commissioners also voted on Monday to renew the county’s current emergency order directing all residents to stay home except for essential activities.

“If you feel you’re sick or you’re at risk, stay at home,” Bilyeu added. “That’s where you need to be.”

Residents can find COVID-19 information and updates on Collin County’s Health Care Services webpage.

Erin Anderson

Erin Anderson is a Senior Journalist for Texas Scorecard, reporting on state and local issues, events, and government actions that impact people in communities throughout Texas and the DFW Metroplex. A native Texan, Erin grew up in the Houston area and now lives in Collin County.

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