Recently the Tennessee Commissioner of Health announced that the Department of Health will not be collecting school COVID-19 data.  

It is admirable to express concerns about privacy. But the data can be collected in a way that does not make the identity of individuals known to the public. Since you are encouraging local school districts to collect the data, you already realize that is clearly the case. 

The Tennessee Department of Health or some other state agency should collect and publish the data so that you, other public officials, and the people of Tennessee can make better decisions on how school reopening proceeds.

I urge you to implement data collection procedures within the week for the safety of students, faculty, staff, and parents.

Thank you for considering my views.