CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- At-home COVID-19 tests could be impacting the accuracy of case numbers in the area.

The results from such tests are not included in the Blue Ridge Health District data because they can be inaccurate.

"The PCR test is the most accurate. There are false positives or false negatives with an at-home kit when someone is symptomatic, and when someone is asymptomatic, the likelihood that that's an accurate test is less likely when compared to someone who has symptoms," said Ryan McKay, the director of policy and planning at BRHD.

He also says submitting at-home test results is optional, which could affect the data's accuracy as well.

"It's sort of one tool that people can use to get a better understanding of where they are, but it's not the best tool in determining if they have COVID or not," said McKay.

He says COVID case numbers on BRHD's website should be used as a guideline.

Although COVID numbers continue to decrease in this area, McKay says it's important for people to still be vigilant.

"COVID is not going away," said McKay. "We saw a little of an increase in cases last week and these are lab-reported cases. We had 50 more last week than we did the previous week. We think a lot of that has to do with spring break travel that recently occurred for a lot of families."