The Indian Health Service has once again updated its coronavirus data for the second time in less than a week, showing results through August 7, 2021.

According to the data, 209,095 tests have returned positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. That represents an increase of 0.1 percent from the 208,785 cases reported on August 3.

Altogether, 2,631,922 coronavirus tests have been administered within the IHS, the results show. That represents an increase of almost 0.3 percent from the week prior.

Since mid-October of 2020, the IHS has been providing additional information about the spread of the coronavirus within the system. The cumulative percent positive column shows the historical COVID-19 infection rate, meaning the number of tests that have returned positive since the onset of the pandemic.

Based on the cumulative percent positive, the highest rates have been seen in three areas. Two of them include the state of Arizona, indicating a disproportionate toll of COVID-19 in the state:

• Navajo Area — 14.4 percent
• Phoenix Area — 12.7 percent
• Oklahoma City Area — 11.8 percent

The 7-day rolling average positivity column offers a more contemporary look at the impact of the coronavirus. The data shows where COVID-19 cases have been increasing recently.

Based on the 7-day rolling average positivity, a record nine areas (out of 12 IHS areas) are seeing higher COVID-19 rates. They follow:

• Oklahoma City Area — 17.5 percent
• Nashville Area — 14.4 percent
• Phoenix Area — 14.1 percent
• Portland Area — 12.5 percent
• California Area — 11.1 percent
• Navajo Area — 9.5 percent
• Bemidji Area — 8.2 percent
• Tucson Area — 8.0 percent
• Albuquerque Area — 5.2 percent

Notably, the 7-day rolling average positivity for the Alaska Area has grown in recent weeks. It now stands at 4.6 percent, although the cumulative percent positive in the region still remains the lowest in the IHS.

Overall, 8.5 percent of IHS tests have been positive since the onset of the pandemic, the data shows. Meanwhile, the 7-day average has risen to 10.3 percent following a long period of far lower rates in the spring of 2021.

The data, however, is incomplete. While 100 percent of facilities run directly by the IHS are reporting data, only 33 percent of tribally managed facilities and 44 percent of urban Indian organizations are doing the same, the agency has told Indianz.Com.

Beginning June 7, the IHS began updating its coronavirus data on a weekly basis so the release of data from August 7, and previously on August 3, represents a slight change in pace. During the height of the pandemic throughout 2020, results were provided every day.

COVID-19 Cases by IHS Area

Data are reported from IHS, tribal, and urban Indian organization facilities, though reporting by tribal and urban programs is voluntary. Data reflect cases reported to the IHS through 11:59 pm on August 7, 2021.

* Phoenix Area tested, positive and negative tests decreased due to data reconciliation.

COVID-19 Testing Data will be updated weekly beginning on Monday, June 7, 2021.

Source: Indian Health Service (https://www.ihs.gov/coronavirus)