The public has a right to know where cases are more prevalent than others. If an entire community is being ravaged and another one isn't, knowing about it can help find the source - and warn others. You can't just keep it a secret. https://twitter.com/scdhec/status/1245085165807980544

UPDATE: (1/6) SC's state epidemiologist Linda Bell reached out to me this afternoon. She holds firm to her belief that releasing detailed information by zip code is a "distraction." She did assure me that @SCDHEC will continue to release cases by county. (continued)

(2/6) I pressed her on the reasoning for this and she cited CDC guidelines and patient privacy. I emphasized that no one is asking for specific patient information, and explained my belief in transparency for myriad reasons ... (continued)

(3/6) including an assurance that no community is disproportionately affected or overlooked due to its socioeconomic situation. She emphasized her belief that all places will be treated equally. (continued)

(4/6) I also asked her why ZIP code-level data was released before, but later removed. She said that data was being "misinterpreted and misused." (continued)

(5/6) She also said that certain SC lawmakers are asking for "special favors" and "special information" and that there can't be "breaches of information," so DHEC will have to "apply very specific standards" to be sure that doesn't happen in the future. (continued)

(6/6) It was a lengthy conversation, and I will attempt to wrap it into a story, tomorrow. In the meantime, rest assured that we will do all we can to ensure that DHEC and all government agencies continue to be as transparent as possible so that we can keep you informed - & safe.

FWIW: Though I don't agree with Dr. Bell on every point, it was a productive conversation, and I appreciate her reaching out to me, even before I reached out to her. That is certainly an example of transparency, and I hope we can keep the dialogue open throughout this process.