According to the County of Alameda:

Using the older definition of COVID-19 deaths, a resident who had COVID-19 but died due to another cause, like a car accident, this person would be included in the total number of reported COVID-19 deaths for Alameda County. Under the updated definition of COVID-19 deaths, this person would not be included in the total because COVID-19 was not a contributing factor in the death.

With much discussion on public trust, it is possible to suspend judgement but still ask about the timing of this decision and announcement? The County states, “aligning with the State’s definition will require Alameda County to report as COVID-19 deaths only those people who died as a direct result of COVID-19.” Why wasn’t this a discussion during the highest period of impact during the pandemic? See the full press release here.