Sonia Angell: California public health boss abruptly steps down after coronavirus reporting glitch

California‘s public health director and state health officer, Sonia Angell, has unexpectedly stepped down after the discovery of a glitch in the state’s data system which meant new cases of coronavirus were being under-reported.

The glitch affected the California Reportable Disease Information Exchange (CalREDIE) and caused a backlog of some 300,000 records, many of which will include positive coronavirus test results.

In a statement released after her resignation, governor Gavin Newsom praised her efforts during the pandemic. “I want to thank Dr. Angell for her service to the state,” he said, “and her work to help steer our public health system during this global pandemic, while never losing sight of the importance of health equity.”

Ms Angell herself did not immediately issue a public explanation for her departure.

More follows…