Read on Twitter
A new CDC study finds more cases (per 100K) in counties with a university which had in-person instruction, compared to counties with universities which were fully online...
Who knew all that testing on campuses would lead to more cases!?! (1/x) https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7001a4.htm
Who knew all that testing on campuses would lead to more cases!?! (1/x) https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7001a4.htm
The study has two major flaws:
First, it does not separate cases among the students from cases in the community. So it is entirely possible that all of the difference is caused by mass testing on campuses.
This means no way to know if the spread extends beyond campus. (2/x)
First, it does not separate cases among the students from cases in the community. So it is entirely possible that all of the difference is caused by mass testing on campuses.
This means no way to know if the spread extends beyond campus. (2/x)
Second, they use 2019 census population to calculate per capita incidence.
Meaning the denominator does not include out-of-state students, which alone may account for the difference in some universities. (3/x)
Meaning the denominator does not include out-of-state students, which alone may account for the difference in some universities. (3/x)
Of course, these weaknesses will only increase the impact of this study, as we have repeatedly seen in the past few months.
As long as a study suggests something increases COVID, the scientific standards are irrelevant. (4/4)
As long as a study suggests something increases COVID, the scientific standards are irrelevant. (4/4)
