Covid case reporting has Longboat concerned
STEVE REID
sreid@lbknews.com
The recent uptick in Covid cases and especially how the state of Florida reports data has Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer concerned.
The problem centers on the fact that when an individual tests positive for Covid, the state lists the case as occurring in the zip code that the individual identifies as their primary residence. The problem is, Longboat swells in season to a population of up to 20,000, of which less than 7,000 are primary residents of the island.
“This is concerning because we’re heading into season, the numbers are up, and the way the state collects and reports this data makes it difficult to interpret and use for planning,” said Harmer.