Wanna see a magic trick? After switching their method for COVID death data collection the state of Texas suddenly has hundreds of new cases.
Viola!
Earlier this week data analysts made the surprise discovery that Texas suddenly began calculating COVID deaths slightly differently than what they were previously used to: instead of counting each individual death on the date in which the data became public, Texas will now be counting the death based on the date recorded on the death certificate (the actual date of the death).
While this appears to be a more honest way of reporting data, the shift to a different method of data collection came with another suprise: a 12% increase in COVID deaths.
Huh?! Why were there suddenly hundreds of new deaths?!
Bill King, local political activist and data analyst, said, "Texas radically changed its reporting method for COVID fatalities today by reporting as of the actual date of death from death certificates. Change added 634 to total of which 446 (71%) were from Harris County. Something is not right."
On Monday, state health officials reported 4,267 newly confirmed cases. Texas also reported nearly 10,000 hospitalizations but said lags in reporting from hospitals may keep that number lower than it really is.
The true number of cases in Texas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 03: Texas Governor Greg Abbott presents Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston Astros Owner Jim Crane a Houston Astros Day Proclamation during the Houston Astros Victory Parade on November 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in Game 7 to win the 2017 World Series. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)