Why the White House is highlighting virus ‘positivity rates’

The Hill logoA key metric is cropping up more and more at the coronavirus task force briefings.

White House response coordinator Deborah Birx on Wednesday and Thursday highlighted what she called the positive rate of coronavirus tests, a figure that helps measure the severity of the outbreak in different parts of the country.

Why is this measure important? While much attention has been placed on the number of tests being conducted, the proportion of tests that come back positive can offer both a broader and more detailed view of the pandemic. Continue reading.