The COVID-19 pandemic was so sudden and rapid, that governments and the public were required to make decisions with very little data. Severe cases involving hospitalization and death deserve to have an extra level of assurance that they are accurately reported. Currently, there may be subjectivity in diagnosis that is allowed. This will blur analysis and potentially impact follow up and future response planning.

To remedy this, the CDC should require that all severe cases and fatalities attributed to COVID-19 virus be documented by a positive laboratory test on each patient, reinforcing the diagnosis.

Future analysis requires accurate reporting data.