There are inconsistencies in how Missouri counties are reporting the demographics for people who have tested positive for or died of COVID-19.
The data is invaluable for illustrating and tracking who is most affected by the pandemic, organizations like Missouri Faith Voices say.
Some communities are providing more information than others.
The data is important, said Nimrod Chapel Jr., president of the state conference of the NAACP, because it demonstrates the effects the coronavirus is having on communities of color.
Chapel said he has communicated with state health officials, who are concerned they aren’t receiving information about the makeup of COVID-19 patients. Missouri has no mechanism for forcing counties to report demographics, he continued.
