Using a variety of case studies from across the United States, the author investigates the quality of COVID-19 status indicators, as well as social and health policies, used to contain the virus at the local level. Effective status indicators must produce reliable, accurate, timely information about the local trends, spread, and other key indicators, such as morbidity rates. The purpose of this exercise is to find measures and strategies for monitoring COVID-19 that can be used across the US as economy reopens. Using observations from places such as Wisconsin and Orange County, universal testing has proven the most effective way to monitor trends. Moreover, specifically coupling testing with statistics and outcomes generated by hospitals and other health care institutions enhances the depth and timeliness of COVID-19 monitoring.