diff --git a/zone_tracker.py b/zone_tracker.py
index 78fae7a..6eb88a9 100644
--- a/zone_tracker.py
+++ b/zone_tracker.py
@@ -125,23 +125,33 @@ class ZoneTracker:
             
             # Check for zone transitions or first detection
             if face_id not in self.last_zone:
-                # First time seeing this face - mark the zone
+                # First time seeing this face - count if in entry/exit zone
                 self.last_zone[face_id] = zone
                 self.tracked_faces[face_id] = (zone, current_time)
+                
+                # Count on first detection in entry/exit zones
+                if zone == 'entry':
+                    # Person entered (first detected in entry zone)
+                    self.total_entered += 1
+                    self.face_cooldowns[face_id] = current_time
+                elif zone == 'exit':
+                    # Person exited (first detected in exit zone)
+                    self.total_exited += 1
+                    self.face_cooldowns[face_id] = current_time
             else:
                 # Face has been seen before - check for valid transition
                 last_zone = self.last_zone[face_id]
                 
-                # Only count if we have a clear zone assignment
-                # Entry: person appears in entry zone
-                # Exit: person appears in exit zone
+                # Only count if we have a clear zone transition
+                # Entry: person transitions to entry zone from non-entry zone
+                # Exit: person transitions to exit zone from non-exit zone
                 if zone == 'entry' and last_zone != 'entry':
-                    # Person entered
+                    # Person entered (transitioned to entry zone)
                     self.total_entered += 1
                     self.face_cooldowns[face_id] = current_time
                     self.last_zone[face_id] = zone
                 elif zone == 'exit' and last_zone != 'exit':
-                    # Person exited
+                    # Person exited (transitioned to exit zone)
                     self.total_exited += 1
                     self.face_cooldowns[face_id] = current_time
                     self.last_zone[face_id] = zone